File pix of Maybank captain Ashran Hamsani (left) and Najmi Farizal Jazlan in action during the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League match against Tenaga Nasional last year. — MHC
PETALING JAYA: Five new teams will make their debut in the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League (MIHL) starting on Saturday (April 19).
The fourth edition of the MIHL will see a total of 19 teams competing against each other, with three new teams in the men’s category - JM Hawks, RMR HC, and Johor, and two in the women’s - PDRM Blue Warriors and JM Auroras.
The other seven teams in the men’s category are defending champions Maybank, followed by runners-up Tenaga Nasional, Armed Forces, Perlis Mighty Lion, Terengganu, and Malaysian University.
In the women’s category, defending champions DBKL HT will be fending off challenges from Malaysian University, MOHC-MHA, BNHC KL, Wipers, CS Mustang HT, and Mutiara-MSSPP-PSHA-Uniten.
The two-week long league will see the matches played at the Sri Putra Hall in Bukit Jalil, which has been fitted with all the necessary equipment.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Indoor Hockey Committee chairman Shurizan Mansor said the addition of the new teams translates to more matches and will further bring excitement to the tournament.
"This year, there will be 10 men’s teams and nine women’s teams competing in the MIHL this year," said Shurizan.
"This is a platform for club players to show their skills in indoor hockey. National players who play for these clubs can also guide their teammates.
"Both players and fans can experience playing in a new venue, specifically for indoor hockey at the Sri Putra Hall," he said.
Shurizan added that with the national indoor hockey team having made their debut at the World Cup in Croatia in February, this year’s league will be another opportunity for players to be picked for the national team.
"We hope this tournament will produce new talents that can be brought into the national team.
"Apart from that, this is also a platform for officials, referees, and coaches to gain experience in a high-level tournament," he said.
