KUALA LUMPUR: Coaches of Premier League hockey teams scheduled to play on Deepavali day are happy they will now battle it out on different dates, as the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) repeats its 2018 scheduling boo-boo.
Two matches – Terengganu Hockey Team against Armed Forces Hockey Team and TNB Thunderbolts versus Maybank – were originally scheduled for Nov 8, the day Deepavali is celebrated in Malaysia.
However, the matches will now be rescheduled, much to the delight of TNB Thunderbolts and Terengganu Hockey Team.
Mohd Harfizi Baharom of Terengganu said he had been informed that the match against the soldiers would now be played on Nov 9.
“It is good that we will not be playing on such an auspicious day. It gives those celebrating the festival time to spend with their families,” Mohd Harfizi told Twentytwo13.
“Several of our players have only just returned from the Asian Games. Unfortunately, there is a packed international calendar and the national team will be off to the Asian Champions Trophy from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
“As such, having an extra day to prepare for the match against the Armed Forces is welcome. We are third in the standings, but have not given up hope of winning the title. One day can make a difference.”
However, the new dates are not reflected on MHC’s website as of publication time.
TNB Thunderbolts coach Nor Saiful Zaini, who is also the national junior coach, said he has yet to receive official notice of the new date.
“I know it is not easy for MHC to juggle the calendar, but we shouldn’t play on Deepavali or any other religious festival. I am waiting for confirmation regarding the change of date,” said Nor Saiful.
In 2018, the Razak Cup was initially scheduled from Nov 3-11, with Deepavali falling on Nov 6 that year.
After protests from teams, especially Negeri Sembilan, which threatened to pull out of the tournament, MHC eventually brought forward the tournament to Oct 26-Nov 3.
The repeat of the episode raised eyebrows, as those in charge of scheduling the league should have been fully aware of the festive seasons in the country.
Meanwhile, Nor Saiful said he would have his hands full as the national juniors will compete in the Sultan of Johor Cup (Oct 17-24), followed by the Murugappa Gold Cup (Oct 25-Nov 4) in India.
Nor Saiful was instrumental in recently guiding the national team to next year’s Junior World Cup.
“I will need to juggle my team selection carefully, as we have to consider the league matches as well as the two major tournaments.
“Some of the teams may be reluctant to release their junior players, but on the bright side, I have the chance to test more players in Johor and India,” he added.
