PETALING JAYA: Batu Pahat Hockey Association (PHBP), which have been actively promoting hockey in the Johor district since the formation in 1993, successfully organised the Onn Abu Bakar Cup Hockey 7s tournament over the weekend.
Former international and current national head coach Sarjit Singh is the most prominent player to come from Batu Pahat and he utilised the weekend break to lend support to the tournament that attracted more than 300 players.
The event had three categories – Under-15, open and veterans – and was graced by Batu Pahat member of parliament (MP) Onn Abu Bakar.
Besides sponsoring the event, Onn had also expressed his concern over deteriorating condition of the competition venue – SMK Dato Bentara Luar’s synthetic hockey turf.
“Onn assured that steps would be taken to address the issue, possibly allocating funds in the next Malaysia Plan for a new turf,” said PHBP president V. Thevandra Naidu.
“His sponsorship and encouragement has been instrumental in making this tournament a resounding success and has greatly contributed to the development and promotion of hockey in our community.”
On top of that, Onn had also praised the development work done by Sarjit in Batu Pahat and also his contribution to Johor hockey in his capacity as the state head coach before assuming the national duties in March.
Should the Bentara Luar turf is refurbished, it will further boost the growth of hockey in Batu Pahat as the school is one of the top centres in producing national level talents in the sport.
The tournament saw SMK Sains Batu Pahat winning the Under-15 crown. Healing Heart won the open category while Lorong Aman secured the veterans’ title.
The top four teams in each category received prize money, trophies and medals for their efforts.
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