MHC confident ministry will allow students to play in league
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are hopeful for the Education Ministry to allow students to participate in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL).
The signs are positive, said MHC’s competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh.
“We’ve been in constant communication with the ministry and are optimistic that teams with students will get to play,” said Anil.
On Thursday, TNB-Thunderbolts’ players from various sports schools pleaded to allow them to participate in the league. The other teams with students are Sabah and Nur Insafi.
Without the approval, TNB-Thunderbolts will have to pull out from the league starting on March 11, as half of their team players are students.
“Another good sign is that the secondary students will only return to school in April. Our league will end on April 3, so the boys can actually play in the tournament. We have written letters to the ministry,” said Anil.
Anil said there was nothing to worry as all teams would be part of a sports bubble system.
“We can guarantee the safety of the boys under the bubble system, but the final decision lies in the hands of the ministry,” he said.
“MHC want to see more youngsters play in a highly-competitive environment.”
Anil said they had extended today’s closing date to Wednesday.
“If we don’t get a favourable reply from the ministry, the teams will still have time to look for other players, thanks to the extension,” he said.
Meanwhile, Anil, who is also Sabah Hockey Association (SHA) president, said they would announce their head coach on Wednesday.
Their former coach I. Vikneswaran left in January.
He added that Sabah would also organise an international women’s competition next year by inviting teams from India, China, South Korea, Japan and Australia.