Johor starts with edge in Gurdwara Cup

Sarjit, one of the most accomplished coaches in the country, will lead the Johor hockey team‘s challenge at the tournament.

AFTER a two-year break because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Gurdwara Cup hockey competition was held again last year, only to endure a washout after heavy rain during the final.

The match was called off, with Johor and Kuala Lumpur being declared joint champions in Ipoh, Perak.

This time around, though, Johor will be all out to win the 71st edition of the Gurdwara Cup at the Sikh Festival of Sports, scheduled to be held in Johor Baru from June 1 to 4.

Johor will be powered by former international and national coach Sarjit Singh, a household name in Malaysian hockey.

It will also be a family affair in many ways for Sarjit, who hails from Batu Pahat and was on the Asian All-Stars team in 1987.

The Olympian will have his three sons, Manraj, Jasweer and Nischal, playing for the team.

Sarjit’s brother Sarwan and his two sons, Jasraj and Amanraj, will also be wearing Johor colours.

Also on the team will be ex-international Baljit Singh, plus several ex-junior internationals and state players.

Sarjit is aware that Johor faces a serious threat from Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Selangor and Singapore.

The southern state has been drawn in Group A with Singapore and Penang, while Group B will feature Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Negri Sembilan and Selangor.

“We have home-ground advantage but it stops at that.

“It has always been a close battle on the field and we cannot afford to let our guard down.

“Singapore, KL, Perak and Selangor are strong opponents,” said Sarjit.

Johor takes on Singapore in its opening match on June 1 at 7.30am.

The hockey tournament will be played at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, which hosted the 2009 Junior Cup Finals.

Johor Sikhs Sports Club president A. Paramjit Singh, the organising chairman this year, said Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar is expected to grace the opening ceremony at the Taman Daya Stadium on June 1.

Apart from hockey, the other sports contested are football, badminton, netball and golf.

Football will be played at Arena Mutiara Johor Land in Bandar Dato Onn, netball in Bandar Baru Uda, badminton at Kelab Tiara in Pasir Pelangi and golf at Forest City Golf Resort.

Three teams – Kuala Lumpur, Selangor and Johor – will compete in the badminton tournament while only two teams – Johor and Selangor – are in the netball competition.

This year’s festival will see golf being played, with Sikh golfers from Australia and Indonesia also vying for the Asia-Pacific Sikhs Championship title.

The Asia-Pacific meet will be held concurrently with the Gurdwara Cup.

“This is a first for golf, as in the past the Asia-Pacific Championships were held at different venues in different countries,” said Paramjit.