Oleh Ku Mohd Lufti
A total of 11 ex-players and administrators will be inducted into the Negeri Sembilan Hockey Association Hall of Fame today.
This is the second consecutive year NSHA has honoured those who had served the state in Hockey following the inaugural event held last year.
Some hockey stalwarts, namely Lawrence van Huizen, William Fidelis and were the Pioneer group that were honoured last year.
They will now be joined by 1975 World Cup players N. Palanisamy and Brian Sta Maria, the skipper of the 1977 Razak Cup winning squad Michael Yan, double international , Hockey and athletics, Savitri Ovinis, former NS Women Hockey Secretary Parkiam Lingam, former coach Harbhajan Singh and umpire R. Subramaniam.
Also honoured are three officials who have passed away – S. Satgunam who was the secretary of NSHA and MHF as well as double international M. Joseph ( Hockey and Football) and former goalkeepers coach and Olympian Peter van Huizen.
” This is our way or remembering and honouring those who served unselfishly towards the sport both for the country and state,” said NSHA Vice President M. Gobinathan.
“We started this last year and hope to extend this further over the years to come.
” We need to revive the glory years of Negeri Hockey and what better way then to pick up pointers from these greats.
” Negeri Hockey has a rich tradition and has produces players and officials that sent on to achieve great things for the sport.”
Some 200 ex players and officials are expected to attend the event that will commence at the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium.
” It will also serve as a walk down memory lane for many and rekindle old friendships,” added Gobi.
” Nothing can describe the looks on the faces of the stalwarts of Negri Hockey as they discuss their exploits on and on the Hockey pitch.”
Gobi hoped that those who had served Negri would join the ceremony today to Honour those inducted into the Hall of Fame.
