Negri start early in bid to become age-group powerhouse

KUALA LUMPUR: The Negri Sembilan Hockey Association (NSHA) have decided to get off to an early start in their bid to make an impact in the national age-group tournaments.

For starters, they have implemented the boys’ and girls’ Under13 and Under-16 tournaments to unearth new talents.

The nine-a-side Under-13 tournaments will be held at the Seremban II Hockey Stadium on Sunday in preparation for the Malaysia Under14 tournament in November.

A total of nine teams will feature in the boys’ category and eight in the girls’ division.

NSHA coaching chairman S. Chandran said Negri have not made an impact in the national age-group tournaments for the last few years.

“That’s why we are having the Under-13 and Under-16 tournaments as we want to shortlist 35 players each in the boys’ and girls’ categories for the national Under-14 and Under-18 competitions.

“Many states are also having the Under-13 and Under-16 meets and getting the players to train on weekends ,” said Ch and ran.

He added that the Under-16 tournament comprising 11 boys’ and eight girls’ teams will start next Monday.

“Our objective is to produce quality players and also put up a strong challenge in all age-group tournaments. We also hope to produce several national players in the future.”

Negri used to be one of the top hockey states in the 70s and 80s. Currently, they have only two players in the national team – goalkeeper S. Kumar (pic) and midfielder Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil.