Hockademy not participating in 2021 MHL over Covid-19 concerns

KUALA LUMPUR: Hockademy has made the decision to not participate in the 2021 Malaysian Hockey League (MHL), scheduled to take place from Jan 8 to Feb 28, due to the uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic in the country.

Hockademy in a statement yesterday said that the decision was unanimously made by its top management council on Nov 15, effectively denying the Hockademy women’s squad a chance to defend their MHL championship title.

The team said it would face difficulties holding selection and training sessions if it joined the league, and that the preparation period was too short due to the enforcement of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which is still in effect in the Klang Valley till Dec 6.

“Other reasons include the possibility that the CMCO would be extended, which might affect the organisation of the league or even cause it to be postponed. The high number of new Covid19 cases recorded daily, which are still in four-digits, is a potential health risk to players and team officials.

“It will also be hard to find sponsors as all companies are affected and facing are financial constraints throughout the year. Hockademy prays that the 2021 MHL will run smoothly for the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) and we would like to wish all participating teams all the best,” the statement read.

Hockademy, however, said it would be prepared to take part in the 2021 Malaysian Junior Hockey League subject to the current situation of the pandemic.

“For now, Hockademy would like to focus on its grassroots development programme known as the Hocka Kids programme,” the statement read.

On Saturday, the MHF competition committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Anil Jeet Singh said Hockademy had missed its chance to participate in the 2021 MHL after failing to confirm its participation after registration closed on Nov 19.