Clubs just as vital as schools in hockey revival, say veterans

The Star

16 hours ago

Jayamaran represented the country several times at the SEA Games and Asian Games.
FOR former Selangor hockey stalwarts Sri Muhunan Raja Retnam and M. Jayamaran, reviving the state's hockey strength will require strong partnerships between schools and clubs – with both playing vital and complementary roles.
Sri Muhunan, who was part of the 1996 Selangor Tun Abdul Razak Cup-winning squad, believes clubs play a key role in sustaining talent after the school stage.
'Schools can only take you so far. It's the clubs that build match temperament, tactical sense, and character,' he said.
Jayamaran, a former international who was groomed under the Selangor system but represented Kuala Lumpur during his Razak Cup triumphs in the 1990s, agreed that many young players lacked sufficient exposure outside school tournaments.
'School tournaments come and go. What we need is continuous, year-round training. Even weekly friendlies can be valuable, and clubs can provide that.'
He said players needed regular matches to sharpen their skills.
Both, having been involved in grassroots development programmes, said district-level competition must be revived to give players more game time.
'There should be league structures in every district. That's how you keep the sport alive,' said Jayamaran.
Sri Muhunan said recog­nition and incentives could help retain youth players in the system.
'In the UK, even club matches end with small awards – best striker, best keeper. That kind of recognition keeps kids motiva­ted, but sustaining it comes at a cost,' he said.
Club administrators almost always have to pay for pitch time, equipment and sometimes even arrange transport for students.
'If local councils give us lower pitch rates or basic grants, we can double the number of children playing,' Sri Muhunan said.
Sri Muhunan was part of the squad that last lifted the Tun Abdul Razak Cup in 1996.
Jayamaran also pointed out that without a long-term plan, many promising players could drift to other sports.
'You lose them to football or badminton. We have seen it happen many times.
'But the ones who stayed, the ones with the burning passion, they have become the core of today's state pool.'
Despite the challenges, both are hopeful that the current SHA committee – led by people they once played alongside – can help rebuild the foundation.
'They know what Selangor hockey used to be,' said Jaya­maran.
'But to get back there, it is not just about one tournament or one team. It is about fixing the foundation.'
Sri Muhunan said the hockey community had the passion and know-how to bring back Selan­gor's past strengths.
'There are veterans and ex-players with a lot of experience at the club level. They are already doing the work. They just need more support,' he said.
Beyond coaching and competition, both stressed the importance of creating a nurturing environment that fuelled a young player's passion for the sport.
'Kids need to feel seen,' said Sri Muhunan.
'When their effort is recognised – whether through a small trophy, a mention during team talks, or even a pat on the back – it makes a huge difference. That's what keeps them coming back.'
They added that friendship often mattered more than results at that level.
'If they enjoy the game and look forward to training, they will naturally improve,' said Jaya­maran.
'We have seen players develop simply because they had teammates who encouraged them and a coach who cared.'
Both believe that a sense of belonging – to a club or team – provides great support for young players through the ups and downs in sport.
They also urged parents to play a more active but supportive role.
'Let the kids enjoy the game. Don't pressure them to be national players. Help them grow first,' said Sri Muhunan.
Jayamaran agreed, noting that talent would need time and space to develop.
'If the system is there, and if people are patient, the results will come,' he said.