Hockey club to organise international 9-a-side championship

KUCHING: The Sarawak Former Hockey Players Association ( PBPHS) is making history after agreeing to organise the Sarawak International Invitational 9-a-side hockey championship.

Its president Haidel Heli said the inaugural championship would be organised in collaboration with SK Mejar Jeneral Dato Ibrahim and the Sarawak State Sports Council, and would be held at the Sarawak Hockey Stadium along Jalan Padungan from Aug 5 to 6.

“PBPHS has taken a step further in its efforts to promote the state hockey to the world through the organising of this championship.

“This is the first time that PBPHS is involved in organising a world championship and that will be a historic achievement for the association in the local hockey arena.

“At the same time, the event will be a response to the state government’s call to organise international championships to promote sports tourism in Sarawak,” Haidel said at a breaking of fast organised by Gabungan Jurutera Perunding Bumiputera Sarawak (GJPBS) on Thursday.

The funct ion was held in appreciation for about 90 staff from Lebuhraya Borneo Utara Sdn Bhd, Public Works Department (JKR), Sarawak Bumiputera Chamber of Commerce ( DUBS) and Sarawak Energy Sdn Bhd.

According to Haidel, several clubs in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, Police, TUDM, Labuan and countries like Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia have indicated their interest in joining the championship.

He said PBPHS would also be sending invitations to China and Hong Kong.

“It’s a pity that the Australian Hockey League is on- going as clubs there have also indicated their interest.

“I a lso bel ieve that thi s championship will attract teams especially those preparing for the Kuala Lumpur SEA Games. Riverside Majestic Hotel has been chosen to accommodate the participants,” he added.

This championship is divided into Open ( Men’s/ Mixed) and Veteran Mixed. Entry fee per team is RM900 while the closing date for submission of entries is on June 19.