Melaka Set To Have Own Hockey Academy 

MELAKA, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- Melaka has announced plans to establish a state hockey academy aimed at nurturing a new generation of star players in the sport.

As part of the initial efforts, a collaboration with SMK Tinggi Melaka has been launched to strengthen hockey programmes at the grassroots level.

Melaka Hockey Association (PHM) president, Datuk Rais Yasin revealed that this partnership will provide essential resources, including upgraded pitches, equipment and other facilities.

"PHM will work with the State Education Department to present the proposal for the academy to the Ministry of Education, "  he told reporters after officiating the prize-giving ceremony for the Melaka Hockey League here last night.

In a related development, he said the MBMB Bukit Serindit Hockey Stadium is set for a major upgrade costing RM5 million.

The renovation, scheduled to begin in July and take 18 months to complete, will include a new astroturf, an advanced irrigation system, and other improvements.

The 2024/2025 Melaka Hockey League has also kicked off with categories for boys and girls under 12, as well as boys under 15, featuring 16 participating teams. The league for the Open Men’s and Women’s categories is slated for June.

Rais expressed confidence that the hockey academy would drive the development of the sport in Melaka, especially at the grassroots level. He hopes it will produce more skilled players to represent Malaysia on the international stage, following the legacy of national hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi.

-- BERNAMA