Malaysian hockey needs leadership, not excuses

 The sport is in decline, talent pipelines are drying up, and national pride is at stake, making immediate accountability and professional management critical ahead of the World Cup.

From Michael Warren

Malaysian hockey — once a source of national pride, with our teams competing fiercely on the Asian and world stages — is in free fall.

We are witnessing a slow, painful decline of a sport that could inspire generations. And the saddest part? This fall was not inevitable.

It is the result of leadership that has prioritised personal position over the future of the game.

I write as a proud Malaysian, a former Perak hockey player who once wore the jersey with honour and passion, and a CEO who has built and led successful businesses with clear vision, accountability, and results-driven leadership.

For over a decade, the same individual has held the presidency of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).

In that time, coach after coach has been brought in with high hopes, only to be sacked when results falter, often made scapegoats to protect the status quo.

The latest change, mere months before the Men’s Hockey World Cup in August, is yet another desperate shuffle — head coach Sarjit Singh’s contract was not renewed and he was replaced by Brendon Carolan.

We qualified for the World Cup through ranking rather than dominant performance, and even then, our journey was shaky — losses, inconsistent play, and a slide that now places Malaysia 15th globally.

This is not the Malaysia that once stood tall in hockey. Where is the vision? Where is the long-term plan?

If I ran the MHC as a business — and field hockey must be treated as one, with the national team as its flagship product — I would structure it professionally:

• A dedicated product manager focussed solely on delivering results from the national team, with clear KPIs tied to performance at major tournaments.
• A brand marketing manager to promote our past champions, inspire youth, and build a marketable identity that attracts sponsors and fans.
• A CFO (chief financial officer) rigorously managing finances: controlling outflows, diversifying revenue (sponsorships, events, and merchandise), and ensuring every ringgit builds the sport rather than sustains bureaucracy.
• A human resources manager caring for players’ wellbeing and daily needs.
• A counselling and mentoring unit to support players through mental and emotional challenges — the pressure, injuries, homesickness, and scrutiny.
• World-class fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and even an AI analytics team to study opponents, optimise training, and prepare strategically for major events.

Instead, we see stagnation. No bold grassroots programmes in primary and secondary schools to hook young Malaysians into the sport.

No widespread astroturf pitches for safe, year-round training. No marketing campaigns celebrating our legends to inspire the next generation.

The talent pipeline is drying up — fewer students are choosing hockey over other sports or sedentary pursuits.

This is not just about one tournament or one coach. It is about the soul of Malaysian hockey.

Parents hesitate to let their children pursue the sport seriously. Schools lack facilities and encouragement. Former players like me watch in sorrow as the game we love fades.

We have five months until the World Cup to salvage pride and show the world we still have fire.

But without fundamental change, starting at the top, this will be another missed opportunity.

I call on the MHC leadership, the youth and sports ministry, sponsors, media, and every Malaysian who cares to demand accountability.

Demand a business-like approach with measurable deliverables. Demand investment in youth, infrastructure, and mental support. Demand leadership that serves the sport, not the other way around.

Our players deserve better. Our youth deserve a future in hockey. Malaysia deserves a national team that competes with pride, not excuses.

Let us not wait for another decade of decline. The time for change is now. - FMT

Michael Warren is a former Perak hockey player, business CEO and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.