MORE STICKWORK IN THE WORKS
MHC chief working hard to make Malaysia hub for sport
MALAYSIAN Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal never stops planning.
Yesterday, after settling sponsorship deals for the Series Finals on April 26-May 4, Subahan said he is also working to bring the final Olympic Qualifier to Malaysia.
MHC’s bid to host the 2022 men’s World Cup has also been shortlisted by the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
“The total cost to organise the Series Finals is about RM1 million and we already have RM600,000 while the remainder
is almost assured of, ” said Subahan during a sponsorship ceremony at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
And all MHC want is — for the players to deliver in both the Olympic rounds, as well as the fans to show up in numbers.
“Tenaga Nasional, our hockey partner for decades, will sponsor the Series Finals to the tune of RM500,000, making them the Official Partner for this tournament.
“We also have 100Plus as well as Unitar while the Sports Ministry, Tourism Ministry, National Sports Council and National Sports Institute have pledged to come in as well.”
Subahan added that the MHC have communicated to the FIH unofficially that Malaysia are interested to host the two-leg final Olympic Qualifier in November.
This is to ensure the players have fan support to back their Olympic quest.
“And we also need them (fan support) in a few days’ time to spur the players to give their best.
“Towards this purpose, Bukit Jalil will be turned into a carnival with many booths, food trucks and lucky draws as well as a chance to win five scholarships worth RM100,000 from Unitar.”
Fans can visit the Unitar booth to showcase their hockey skills, and five lucky ones will be selected to study in Unitar with scholarship provided.
In the pre-Olympic Qualifier, Malaysia will open accounts against Brazil on April 26, China on April 28 and Italy on April 29. Entrance is free for all matches.