Ten-minute, nine-a-side hockey matches involving Under-12 school teams from Kuala Lumpur — played on a full-sized pitch under the scorching sun.
That was the opening day of the Bangsar District schools’ hockey competition at the Education Ministry Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The three-day, carnival-style event ends tomorrow.
But many were oblivious to basic concerns — like making 12-year-olds play on a full-sized turf for just 10 minutes. In this tournament, group matches last 10 minutes, while semifinals and finals are played over two 10-minute halves.
Teams usually wear jerseys featuring their school badges — yet one team turned up in a hockey academy outfit. Imagine the national team wearing a state jersey instead of the Malaysian kit at a World Cup qualifier.
Some school teams are trained by parents, but only teachers are allowed on the sidelines during matches. One parent remarked: “If that’s the rule, then make sure teachers attend every training session with the coach.”
In the stands was a familiar face — former national player Kevinder Singh, who once dazzled fans on the same turf, as a Royal Military College student. He could have served as a great inspiration to the kids.
Yet, in school sports, it often boils down to ticking boxes. The carnival format — now without the Under-15 category — does little to promote the sport at grassroots level.
The writer recalls similar conversations over 20 years ago, with calls for Under-12 matches to be played on half-pitches. At that age, it’s about participation and testing basic skills. Still, nothing has changed. The 11.30am sun beating down on young kids running on a full pitch certainly didn’t help.
There are 17 teams in the Under-18 and 16 in the Under-12 category. All six teachers overseeing matches are certified umpires.
But teachers, who double as organisers, aren’t to blame for the red flags. The fault lies with the decision-makers, clearly detached from on-the-ground realities.
Teachers are ultimately responsible for the children’s wellbeing. If a school lacks a teacher familiar with the sport and needs outside help — be it from a parent or coach — then proper vetting should be done. Once cleared, the coach should be allowed to sit with the teacher on the sidelines.
Also, schools should enforce rules on wearing proper colours and badges — that’s part of team identity.
Is the Education Ministry okay with what’s happening? Has the Malaysian Hockey Confederation — the sport’s governing body — raised any concerns? Is the Youth and Sports Ministry not frustrated?
Former Olympic Council of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Nazifuddin Najib recently said our failure to develop grassroots talent stems from outdated structures, weak physical education, low sports awareness in schools, and a lack of political will. Sadly, these are long-standing issues — especially the absence of willpower.
In Malaysia, politicians are obsessed with the top level. They announce grand programmes for elite athletes, with dreams of that elusive Olympic gold.
But we continue to stumble at the grassroots. Malaysian hockey today is nowhere near its former glory. The “tidak apa” (lackadaisical) mindset and box-ticking attitude are slowly killing the sport.
So, the next time decision-makers start chest-thumping about their “initiatives”, they should take a step back and ask themselves: What have they truly done for grassroots sports?
Real progress starts with our children. It begins in schools.
