FHT Bombastic, the winners in the girls’ category, with their challenge trophy. — Courtesy photos
SELANGOR’S Ultimate Boys were crowned champions of the inaugural Under-12 six-a-side Datuk Bandar Seremban Trophy after defeating Kuala Lumpur’s ARHC Club 3-1 in a pulsating final at the Seremban 2 hockey pitch.
In the girls’ category, FHT Bombastic from Kuala Lumpur emerged winners when they edged Melaka’s JDP Princess 7-6 on penalty strokes.
Apart from the challenge trophy and medals, the winners received RM3,000. The runners-up got RM2,000 and medals.
Tournament organising chairman Dr Rajesh Singh said 59 teams from Melaka, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur and Negri Sembilan took part in the two-day event, which was organised by Seremban District Hockey Association (PHDS).
Champions in the boys’ category, Ultimate Boys from Selangor, celebrate with Seremban mayor Datuk Masri Razali (back row, second from left) and Rajesh (back row, right).
The event, themed “Nurturing Young Hockey Talent and Expanding Competitive Play”, was a milestone for PHDS as it was the largest grassroots hockey event hosted to date.
PHDS, which was only registered in 2021 and is an affiliate of Negri Sembilan Hockey Association, had previously organised two smaller tournaments to unearth talent.
“The tournament not only fostered skills development but also strengthened camaraderie among the participants, reinforcing PHDS’ commitment to helping shape the future of Malaysian hockey.
“With the success of this tournament, PHDS now looks forward to organising it annually and on a much larger scale.”
In the boys’ category, Negri Sembilan All Star A came in third place, while Selangor’s Golden Stick emerged fourth.
Some of the players in action during the competition.
In the girls’ event, third place went to Negri Sembilan’s Hidden Queen and fourth to Melaka’s Mermaid Hyacinth.
Third-place teams received RM1,000 each, and the fourth, RM500.
The association also presented individual awards to the best male and female players, and goalkeepers.
The association, Rajesh said, aims to attract more teams from across Malaysia and possibly extend invitations to neighbouring countries, to establish an international grassroots hockey platform.
He said this expansion would enhance competitiveness, raise performance standards and position Seremban as a regional hub for youth hockey development.
Rajesh, who is also PHDS deputy president, said the association traced its roots back to 2016 when a group of hockey enthusiasts, who included former state and national players alongside seasoned coaches, came together with a mission to promote grassroots hockey and foster community engagement.
Rajesh said PHDS wished to develop young hockey talent, with a dedicated focus on players under the age of 16.
“Through structured coaching programmes, mentorship initiatives and competitive exposure, the association continues to nurture athletes, equipping them with the technical skills, discipline and teamwork necessary to thrive in the sport,” he said.
Since its inception, Rajesh said PHDS had played a vital role in player development, with 12 players progressing to represent the state at competitive levels.
“The programme started off with just 15 trainees, but its success and growing reputation have led to a significant increase in participation, now boasting 70 young players actively training each Sunday,” he added.
Rajesh also thanked the state youth and sports committee chairman Datuk Mustapha Nagoor and Seremban City Council (MBS) for their support in venue sponsorship and financial backing, which ensured the event’s success.
MBS, he said, has been a crucial driving force behind PHDS’ growth as it has been instrumental in providing logistical support and sponsorship to facilitate hockey development, from offering training grounds to backing grassroots initiatives financially.
