UniKL reap rewards for soldiering on

Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) have come a long way in establishing themselves as a powerhouse in Malaysian hockey.

Formed 10 years ago, UniKL won their first Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) title this year thanks to their efforts in developing players.

The club was established following a decree from their chancellor, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.

Al-Sultan Abdullah had then challenged hockey clubs to not only put up teams in the junior and senior national leagues but also to have their own artificial pitches.

And to start it, he formed UniKL Hockey Club.

Club president Datuk Amir Azhar Ibrahim was tasked to manage their Junior Hockey League (JHL) team, and by 2013, seven UniKl players were selected for the New Delhi Junior World Cup where Malaysia finished fourth.

Amir said they had to forgo the JHL even though they were successful because Thunderbolts (Tenaga Nasional) came into the picture and started dominating.

But the planning never stopped, even though there were times when many almost quit the club.

“I still think about what would have happened had we quit the scene,” said Amir.

“We regrouped and dumped the JHL, and went for the MHL instead. Now, we not only have trophies, but also have our own stadium.”

Tengku Abdullah Stadium in Bangi is UniKL’s venue.

“We will revive our junior development programme at our venue, and also offer academic programmes for up-and-coming athletes, starting with hockey, football and rugby.

“We will start our programmes in October,” Amir added.

FIXTURES — TNB Cup, S-final, first leg: Today — UniKL v Maybank (3pm), Tenaga Nasional v Terengganu HT (5pm).

*Matches at the Tun Razak Stadium