Former international Sarjit Singh has been named as the new head coach of the national senior men’s hockey team.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) conveyed this announcement today after the executive board meeting held at the MHC office at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Sarjit will replace Arul Selvaraj, whose contract expired after the Olympic Qualifiers in Muscat, Oman in January this year.
Sarjit, who turns 62 this year, helmed the national team from January 2007 to December 2008. He also coached the national junior team from 2004 to 2006.
MHC president Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal said the executive board members deliberated in depth on the selection of Sarjit by the Coaching Committee and unanimously endorsed his appointment.
“The coaching committee considered several factors before concluding their decision. And each and every member of the executive board also gave their input and thoughts. Sarjit’s contract is for a two-year period,” said Subahan.
“I have informed Dato’ Manjit to convey the decision of the Executive Board to Sarjit. I will also request Sarjit to attend a press conference tomorrow (Monday) so that he can share his plans as head coach and setting up of a new structure for the national team. It is not fair for us to decide as the head coach was given the mandate to lead the team and give his views how he intends to take the team to the next level,” added Subahan.
He also stressed that no immediate key performance indicator (KPI) has been set for Sarjit.
“It is not fair to him as he will need time to get the whole system and structure in order. The fasting month is around the corner and his first assignment will be the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy (May 4-11) in Ipoh. Give him time to set up the national team,” he added.
The Speedy Tigers have two other competitions this year: Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland (May 31- June 9) and Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir City, Inner Mongolia (from Sept 8-17).
Subahan also expressed that the coaching committee will find ways and means of getting the other coaches who had applied to help out.
“They have shown commitment. We appreciate what they have done. We are not saying they are good or bad. A decision was made based on certain factors. But that does not mean we do not need the help of the rest. We will let the head coach and coaching committee to decide how the others can play a role in supporting us. Maybe not in national aspect but in other areas,” he said.
“We would like to express our appreciation to coach Arul for his dedication and contribution towards the national team and country.”
“He was a good coach and did everything possible to bring the national team to the next level. We did win the Azlan Shah Cup, runner-up at the Asian Champions Trophy and also almost beat Spain at the Olympic Qualifier in Oman,” added Subahan.
On another matter, Subahan also disclosed that Nishel Kumar’s tenure as MHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has ended effective February 29 and he will be posted back to the National Sports Council.
“MHC received a letter from NSC requesting for Nishel’s services again. We will abide by NSC’s request and thank Nishel for his services. However, we have also decided to appoint him as a member of the MHC executive board,” added Subahan.
He added that Penang HA secretary V. Jayanandan has been appointed acting CEO until further notice.