Players’ high commitment and Wallace’s sacrifice pay off big for Hockey5s team

Malaysian captain Akhimullah Anuar Esook salutes coach Wallace Tan (centre) as after their win against Poland in the men's Hockey5s World Cup semi-finals in Oman on Jan 31. - FIH

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s success of reaching the men’s Hockey5s World Cup final on Tuesday was not just the success of the highly committed players but the selfless act of veteran coach Wallace Tan.

Nothing comes for free in the current professional era but Wallace actually declined a salary to coach the side. And he has done wonders by guiding Malaysia into the final at the inaugural tournament in Muscat, Oman, by beating Poland 4-3.