A proud pioneer’s journey

Great honour: Michael (centre) with Australia’s Bill Seib (right) and then MHC president Yang diPertuan Agong Sultan Azlan Shah in 1990.

PETALING JAYA: Long before overseas tours, professional contracts, and the modern hockey leagues, players like Michael Arulraj played purely for pride, passion, and country.

As the former national hockey player and coach celebrates his 88th birthday this Friday, Michael stands as one of the pioneers who laid the foundation for Malaysian hockey’s rise on the international stage.

Michael Arulraj.

A two-time Olympian who represented Malaysia at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and 1968 Mexico City Olympics, Michael belonged to the golden generation that carried the country’s name against some of the world’s strongest hockey nations, all while with limited resources and the sport still growing locally.

Michael was part of the team that won bronze in the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta, finishing third behind powerhouses Pakistan and India.

Yet for Michael, the motivation was always simple - passion.

“We all had passion for the game. We played with heart and for the love of the game. It wasn’t for money or fame,” said Michael.

“We played for the jersey and not the money. There wasn’t much money at the time anyway because there weren’t professional leagues around for us to compete in.”

Those values stayed with Michael after hanging up his stick, as it shaped him to become a coach and continue serving Malaysian hockey as the head coach in 1971 and 1973.

His teammates during his playing times also went on to become prominent figures in the sporting world, such as Datuk R. Yogeswaran and Datuk Ho Koh Chye, who also held the reins between 1970 and 1989.

Among those who came under Michael’s guidance was former national player Datuk Ow Soon Kooi, who still remembers the standards Michael demanded from his players.

Lovely family: From left Dr Nolan Arulraj (son), Michael Arulraj, Renny Simon Samuel (wife), Adrienne Arulraj (daughter) and Valentine Siva Jr (son-in-law).

“Tuan Michael was a strict, knowledgeable, and dedicated coach.

“As a former hockey great, double Olympian, and later a national coach, he served Malaysia for nearly two decades because of his love for the game and the country.

“I still remember that if we lost a game, he would say that we played like pregnant ducks (waddling awkwardly),” said Soon Kooi with a laugh.

Off the field, Michael’s strict nature was perfect for his long career as a police officer, being attached to the Police Training Centre (Pulapol).

“He was a strict and stern police officer. Being in the police was his main job, but hockey was definitely his passion,” said Michael’s nephew, Charles Stanislaus.

Old is gold: Michael (right, second row) with the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Malaysian hockey team.

Michael was not the only sportsperson from his family. The fifth in a family of eight, his second brother, the late Michael Stanislaus, not only excelled in hockey but also in football.

Another uncle, Clement Soosay, was a footballer who played for Selangor in the 60s.

Michael was part of a generation that helped build Malaysia into one of Asia’s respected hockey nations, paving the way for future stars and inspiring each generation that came after them.

For many who played under him and alongside him, Michael’s legacy both on and off the pitch stretches beyond medals and Olympic appearances.

It’s in his passion, discipline, and love for the game and country.