Reliving memories with Malaysia's 1975 World Cup hockey team
Sultan Abdullah (centre) cutting a cake with Malaysian sports legends at the anniversary celebration. — Courtesy photos
SPORTS legends gathered in Kuala Lumpur recently to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the national team's historic performance in the 1975 Hockey World Cup which took place at Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.
The event was graced by Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.
It was organised by Sports Flame and supported by sports public relations agency ShekhinahPR.
Sports Flame – founded by sports journalists George Das, the late R. Velu, Datuk Lazarus Rokk and Datuk Fauzi Omar – was established to preserve and celebrate Malaysia's rich sporting heritage, especially from the 1960s to 1980s.
In a media statement, ShekhinahPR chief executive officer Christopher Raj said the celebration was a living tribute.
'To witness the camaraderie, memories and mutual respect among these legends is truly humbling.
'It's an honour to help retell their stories and inspire the next generation of athletes,' he said.
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Datuk N. Sri Shanmuganathan said of the team in the 1975 Hockey World Cup: 'We made the most of what we had and played exceptionally well.'
Malaysia finished fourth and did not secure a medal in that World Cup.
Another legend, Datuk Poon Fook Loke, who is now 74, said he has come to realise after 50 years that winning is not everything.
'An unbreakable bond was forged. Even after five decades, we still stay connected with everyone who was part of that incredible journey.
'It's a legacy no one can ever take away,' he said.
The event gathered more than 160 national athletes from various disciplines such as bowling, rugby, badminton, cycling and football.
It also honoured Velu, who passed away on Jan 7 this year after a battle with cancer.
Besides the men's 1975 hockey team members, members of the 1975 Malaysian women's hockey team such as Elizabeth Gomez and Halimahton Yaacob were also present.
Among the other Malaysian sports legends who attended were James Selvaraj, Noraseela Mohd Khalid, Datuk Santokh Singh and Kevin Nunis.
Manchester United football legend Ryan Giggs made a surprise appearance at the event.
He thanked Sultan Abdullah for Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah's involvement in the upcoming Manchester United vs Asean All-Stars match, set to take place on May 28 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, Selangor.
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