PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian hockey fraternity is mourning the passing of former national player and head coach Sarjit Singh, whose career spanned more than four decades as a player, captain, and coach.
Sarjit passed away at the age of 63 at the Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Cheras on Sunday after battling illness.
Sarjit had been at the helm of the Speedy Tigers from March 2024 until last March.
For national team captain Marhan Jalil, who is with the team in the midst of their World Cup campaign in Belgium, Sarjit’s passing marked the loss of a figure who had contributed immensely to the development of the sport and the wellbeing of the national team.
"We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of coach Sarjit," said Marhan from Wavre.
"His legacy, knowledge, and spirit will continue to inspire generations of players. He was someone who gave so much to Malaysian hockey, not only as a player but also as a coach.
"His dedication and contribution to the sport will always be remembered and appreciated. His legacy will live on through the team and the generations that will follow."
Veteran striker Faizal Saari, who also spent his time under Sarjit, said the former coach’s passion will be hard to forget.
"His dedication, passion, and contribution to hockey will always be remembered. He gave so much to hockey and to the players around him.
"We had so many great memories together," said Faizal.
Sarjit had represented Malaysia from 1982 to 1993, donning the captain’s armband at the 1982 Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, before representing Malaysia at the 1984 Los Angeles and 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona.
After putting his sticks away, Sarjit moved into coaching, taking charge of the national junior squad from 2004 to 2006 before taking charge of the Speedy Tigers in 2024.
