The 8th Sultan of Johor Cup – a six-nation tournament – received a huge financial boost with the Johor State Government and “newcomers” RITZ Corporation Holding Berhad leading the sponsorship with RM500,000 each.
A total of RM2,150 million was raised at the official launch of the tournament at the Persada International Convention Centre in Johor Bahru on Thursday. This is the biggest amount in sponsorship since the tournament was inaugurated in 2011.
The mock cheques were received by HH Prince Abdul Rahman Al-Haj Ibni Sultan Ibrahim, the Tunku Panglima Johor, who represented His Majesty Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar.
Other main sponsors who presented their contributions for SOJC 2018 are: Astaka Padu Sdn Bhd (RM200,000), WM Era (RM200,000), Johor Corporation (RM100,000), JBB Builders (M) Sdn Bhd (RM100,000), UM Land (RM100,000), Tenaga Nasional Berhad (RM100,000), SAJ Holdings Sdn Bhd (RM50,000), KH Land Sdn Bhd (50,000), Genting Berhad (RM50,000), Berjaya Times Square (RM30,000).
The tournament, growing in stature and with hockey playing nations clamoring to be invited for the only annual Under-21 Invitational Tournament in the world which features in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) calendar.
This year’s teams are defending champions Australia, Great Britain, India, Japan, New Zealand, and Malaysia. India and Australia are the two most successful teams since the tournament was inaugurated in 2011. Germany, Great Britain, and Malaysia have won the silverware once each.
“Each year we have to turn down a lot of requests from other teams. It was the same this year but as has been our practice we can only accommodate six teams. For the time being there is no intention to increase the number,” said organizing secretary Dato’ Manjit Majid Abdullah who is also the deputy president of the Johor Hockey Association (JHA) and a vice-president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
“The Sultan of Johor Cup is one of the most sought-after hockey tournament as it is the only Under-21 international tournament played annually where young talent is exposed and groomed.
“We are thankful that sponsors have generously stepped forward to help our organizational costs. This tournament is also where Johor gains in terms of the tourism dollar.” RIZAL ABDULLAH
