DEC 19 — It was interesting to see how the top-four achievement by our hockey boys at the Junior World Cup drew varying reactions from the public.
The facts are laid clearly for everyone to see. Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals for the first time since 1982. Apart from the final classification match against Holland, they were unbeaten in regulation time. They finished the tournament ranked higher than traditional hockey powerhouses like India, England, Australia and South Korea.
More significantly, Malaysia showed the world a different brand of hockey. Our hockey was a brilliant infusion and quite often the culmination of sublime stick-work, blistering speed and copious amounts of heart.
While many lauded this achievement, certain factions were far less impressed.
Barely a few days ago, I listened to a group of people discussing the performance of our hockey boys at the recently concluded tournament. The comments were disheartening and from a personal point of view, downright ridiculous.
Naturally, drawing courage from my unrelenting support of anything Malaysia (read: ‘alcoholic bravado’), I defended the team against what I felt was a barrage of unfair comments from people who knew less of the sport than I did of Einstein’s theory of relativity.
“Do you think we would have beaten teams like India or Australia if we were grouped together?” one of them asked me.
I said yes. My response drew raucous laughter and cynical smirks.
“Why the disbelief?” I prodded.
“India is playing at home and Australia will always be perennial favourites. Malaysia will never stand a chance against them,” one of them replied, haughtily. Another hockey expert from the bleachers.
“Really? Then why weren't they in the semis? Why were India out of the quarterfinals? We beat the team that beat India, and did so in such convincing manner. Doesn’t that count for anything?” I asked, this time drawing no response, apart from murmurs of dissatisfaction, from the group.
To say the team is perfect would be unfair. They are tenacious and both technically and tactically sound. A winning concoction, definitely, but surely one that can be tweaked and perfected over the natural course of time. While their route to the semi-finals appeared somewhat easy, I beg to differ. We played top nations who paraded some of the best junior players in the world. Being an ex-Junior World player, I know preceding reputation counts for nothing. We beat teams who enjoyed far greater successes than us at these levels. The ease of which these games were won naturally created the illusion of Malaysia’s unparalleled superiority over the rest. The games weren’t easy…
We were simply that good.
I have nothing but the utmost respect for the entire team. Their exploits unified the nation and their combative spirit on the field inspired many to never give up the good fight.
To the players, coaches and team management alike, you have fought valiantly on the battlefield. For that, I thank you resoundingly.
Now take your place amongst the country’s heroes and legends of the sport.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.
