Can’t stick to same format – Razak Cup mulls change

After almost two decades, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are mulling a change in the Razak Cup format.

During their competition’s committee meeting on Saturday, it was suggested that the competition be held in a carnival format, just like in the past.

The committee’s deputy chairman I. Vikneswaran said since early 2000, the competition was held in a two-division format, but there were suggestions to change it this year, which is the 58th edition of the tournament.

“One of the suggestions during the meeting was to follow the format of yesteryear, instead of the current two-division format,” said the former Malaysian international.

“Basically, the suggestion was to have four groups. We went for the two-division format because there was a disparity in the quality of the teams.

“But now we do not see much difference in standard among the teams.

“It is a suggestion that we have mooted. We will send letters to all state associations and will wait for their feedback.”

The associations have been given a week to give their thoughts on the change.

Vikneswaran added the MHC also welcome suggestions from the associations on how the competition would be conducted during the new norm.

He said, for now, the body have prepared the standard operating procedures for competitions but the final say must come from the National Security Council, Health Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry and the National Sports Council.

“As we all know, the recovery movement control order is until Aug 31, so we can only have competitions after that. However, I see some positives as swimming pools are now operational, I believe things would open up soon.

“In mid July, we will have another meeting and if all goes well, we’ll decide on the format of the Razak Cup.”