KUALA LUMPUR: In recognition of the national hockey team's achievement of winning silver at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, 20 players and eight team officials received RM160,000 in incentives.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) hosted an appreciation dinner on Tuesday for the national men's hockey squad to celebrate their efforts at the Asian Games.
The dinner was also to honour the team's commitment, sacrifices, and efforts in representing Malaysia on the Asian stage.
The MHC also expressed its deepest appreciation to Tenaga Nasional, the main sponsor and strategic partner, for its unwavering commitment to supporting the development of hockey, including the Speedy Tigers' journey in facing international challenges.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the silver medal was a team effort, requiring unwavering commitment, discipline, hard work and sacrifice.
"I deeply appreciate the commitment shown by the entire team. In the 75-year history of the Asian Games, this marks the third silver medal for the Malaysian men's hockey team (2010, 2018, and 2026).
"This silver medal is a source of pride for Malaysia and the entire national hockey family. It did not come easily.
"It is the result of the effort, hard work, discipline, and sacrifice demonstrated by every player, the coaching staff, and support personnel in representing the nation.
"This achievement certainly holds great significance for MHC and the development of the nation's hockey," he said.
Malaysia will now focus on two international tournaments - the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, India from Oct 27 to Nov 5 and the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh from Nov 22-29.
Subahan challenged the players and coaching staff to pull off an upset by defeating India on their home turf during the Asian Champions Trophy, which will be played in Jalandhar and Mohali.
At the same time, MHC will continue to strengthen the team's preparations for the 2028 Olympic qualification campaign.
Comprehensive plans will be devised to ensure the Speedy Tigers are in peak condition, thereby realising the dream of seeing Malaysia compete on the Olympic stage once again.
Malaysia last competed in the Olympics in Sydney in 2000.
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