Investing in sports pays unity dividends

New Straits Times

24-05-2025

In times of division, few forces unite like sport. Malaysia is a case in point. Still healing from the May 13 ethnic riots of 1969, the nation found an unexpected catalyst for reconciliation in the 1975 World Cup Hockey Tournament, held mostly in Kuala Lumpur.
The national hockey team's crucial role in 1975 was recently honoured at the 11th edition of Sports Flame, a gathering of Malaysia's sporting greats graced by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
A special tribute was paid to the hockey players for their gritty performance in the tournament.
The years following 1969 were marked by political recalibration and social restructuring. Many felt the nation needed something more visceral — an emotional spark — to rekindle unity.
Hosting the hockey World Cup was a statement of Malaysia's growing presence in international hockey and became a national rallying point.
The electrified home crowd, a melting pot of Malaysians, buried the horrors of 1969 in a blur of euphoria. It was a sight to behold when many Malaysians hugged one another, most of them strangers.
In the quarter-finals at Kilat Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's victory over the reigning champions, the Netherlands, ignited national pride. Streets erupted in celebration, and ethnic differences momentarily disappeared in the triumph.
After the winning goal was scored, spectators invaded the pitch.
Someone even snatched the hockey stick of skipper N. Sri Shanmuganathan, though it was brought back for the game to resume.
Even in the semi-finals at Stadium Merdeka, when Malaysia narrowly lost to India — the eventual champions — the passion and unity displayed showed that it was not about medals, but identity and belonging.
Sri Shan said: "We played as brothers — Malays, Chinese and Indians — showing what Malaysian unity was in 1975. All we wanted was to bring glory to our beloved country, Malaysia."
Forward M. Mahendran remembered how motivational guru Datuk Lawrence Chan instilled nationalistic fervour in the players.
"In a darkened room, he called out our names for us to stand up, then lit a candle. Behind the glow stood the Malaysian flag, and the strains of 'Negara Ku' stirred our spirits. That moment remains unforgettable."
Goalkeeper Khairuddin Zainal still recalls his post-match tears: "Each time I look at the photo of me crying after our loss, memories flood back. Fifty years on, the weight of our journey, the hopes of a nation, and the agony of coming so close still linger. But we stood among the world's best."
Striker Franco D'Cruz emphasised that though Malaysia did not get a podium finish, the 16 players won something greater — "We won the hearts of the nation".
Edi Norsam, then a young boy living in a Felda settlement in Sg Koyan, 40km from Raub, said that the hockey "fever" meant that any tree branch with an "L"-shaped outgrowth in the village would be hacked and sandpapered for use as hockey sticks.
Meanwhile, RTM sportscaster Rahim Razali captivated many a young boy's imagination with his coverage.
Edi added: "The young boys who played with makeshift sticks had new heroes. Thank you, Poon Fook Loke, Sri Shan and Khairuddin Zainal — you are in our hearts. The World Cup in 1975 will always be remembered, along with the rain, mud and waterlogged pitches."
Sports have the power to forge unity beyond government offices and policies, and the impact of Malaysia's 1975 campaign extended beyond the final whistle, proving that national pride can transcend divisions.
The lessons of 1975 remain relevant: unity is built through shared experiences, and sports provide one of the purest forms to build ethnic cohesion.
Investing in national sports does more than just produce athletes — it fosters identity, pride and the realisation that Malaysia is stronger together.
The heroes of 1975: N. Sri Shanmuganathan, Khairuddin Zainal, Brian Sta Maria, Wong Choon Hin, K. Balasingam, R. Rama Krishnan, Len Oliveiro, N. Palanisamy, Poon Fook Loke, Franco D'Cruz, R. Pathmarajah, M. Mahendran, Mohd Azraai Zain, A. Francis, Phang Poh Meng, and S. Balasingam. Coaches: Ho Koh Chye, R. Yogeswaran, and Lawrence Van Huizen.