Yoges and class of ’62 pave way for hockey revolution

Datuk R. Yogeswaran (third from left) receiving current national jersey from Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal. Flanking them are former international Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi (left) and MHC deputy president Dr S. Shamala.

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian hockey was in a transition period when a group of young players stepped up to the plate to win a surprise bronze at the 1962 Jakarta Asian Games but the achievement was much more valuable than the medal itself.

Datuk R. Yogeswaran, one of the exciting players of that team, recalled that their achievement to finish behind the then top two teams in the world – Pakistan and India – was a huge breakthrough in terms of performance and mindset.