🏑 More Centres, More Players — But Where Is the Accountability?

By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ · October 13, 2025

Promises of Revival — But Reality on the Ground Paints a Different Picture

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is seeking RM3 million to strengthen grassroots hockey, open new centres under the National Hockey Development Programme (NHDP), and bring the game back to schools — particularly in Sabah, Sarawak, and rural Malaysia. It’s a noble intention, and MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal deserves credit for pushing the idea.



How we wish we had more leaders like him and also Dato Munjit Abdullah. The driving forces to seek more funds, plans and design the future for the nation in Field Hockey.

But while the proposal sounds visionary, the state of development and facilities nationwide tells a harsher truth. At the ground level — the real battlefield of Malaysian hockey — the story is not one of growth, but of decay.

Negeri Sembilan — Once a Powerhouse, Now a House of Shame

Negeri Sembilan, a state that once produced Olympians and national players through schools like St. Paul’s Institution, Tunku Besar Secondary School (Tampin), and SMK Za’ba, now lies in neglect.

  • Astro turf in Seremban — deteriorated beyond repair, often more mud than pitch.
  • TBSS Tampin — unplayable due to poor drainage and worn surfaces.
  • DBKL Stadium — still waiting on water pump replacements and turf relaying.
  • Tun Razak Stadium — once the heartbeat of national hockey, now adrift with no clear direction.
  • Kuantan Stadium — toilets and player areas in deplorable condition.
  • KPM School Fields — broken fencing, overgrown grass, no safety upgrades.

Everywhere we turn, there are words of planning but no signs of progress. Every meeting promises “reviews,” “proposals,” and “future allocations” — yet, the players continue to train on puddles and broken pitches. Parents have to raise funds for sticks, shoes, and travel, while state associations debate who signs the cheques.

Funding the Future — or Feeding the Past?

MHC has appealed for an increase from RM2 million to RM3 million — but the larger truth is that hockey, as a national sport, remains chronically underfunded. Subahan himself admitted that the sport ideally needs RM12 million annually to operate at international standards.

That amount would cover:

  • Proper international exposure (currently just 17 matches a year for the senior team instead of 50).
  • Allowances for players — some earning just RM1,200 to RM1,500 per month under Podium Programme support.
  • Junior development funding — where MHC has to dip into its own pocket to pay players RM2,000 monthly.

Compare this with football, where M-League players easily earn RM20,000–RM50,000. How can we expect our hockey players to give their best when they struggle to make ends meet? The issue isn’t just about pride; it’s about fairness and sustainability.

Each State Must Wake Up — Or Risk Losing a Generation

Hockey development cannot be dictated solely by MHC’s office in Bukit Jalil. The real reform must begin at state level — where passion once built champions.

Each state association must answer these questions:

  • Do we have an active state league — by age group, by club, by district?
  • Are there structured coach upgrade programs — or the same faces recycled every few years?
  • Are development programs audited — or just paperwork to secure yearly grants?
  • How many new players did your state produce in the last 2 years?
  • Are you working with schools and teachers — or just running weekend tournaments?

Without honest answers, the RM3 million request means nothing. A bigger budget without accountability will only create bigger gaps and deeper complacency.

Bridging the Gap — Vision with Implementation

The NHDP started in 2021 with 99 centres and 3,960 young players. That’s commendable. But are those numbers translating into talent at state and national levels? Are state associations reporting progress, or just filling quotas?

If Malaysia wants to rebuild its hockey heritage, every ringgit must come with measurable outcomes:

  • Number of schools reintroduced to hockey.
  • Number of coaches upgraded annually.
  • Facilities refurbished and functional.
  • Players promoted to higher competitive levels.

Hockey Is Not Dying — It’s Starved

Hockey in Malaysia isn’t dying. It’s starved — of funds, of leadership, and of accountability. It is being choked by politics, mismanagement, and the comfort of titles without results.

To the government — restore the funding, but demand transparency. To the states — rebuild your pride, not your excuses. To the coaches — stop recycling drills from 20 years ago; evolve with the game. To the parents and fans — keep believing, keep pushing, keep holding officials accountable.

We owe it to the next generation to give them more than promises. We owe them pitches, programs, and purpose.

By Amarjeet Singh @ AJ
Hockey Development Advocate
Follow more writings at Coaching4Champions.blogspot.com

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