The 62nd edition of the Tun Abdul Razak Cup Men’s hockey tournament gets off on Oct 2 (Wednesday), as Kuala Lumpur begin their title defence against Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
Hosted by Johor Hockey Association (JHA), the tournament will be held from Oct 2-12 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadum in Johor Bahru, which will also stage the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup from Oct 19-26.
It is without doubt that the opening day fixture between Kuala Lumpur, who hold the tournament record of winning the title 21 times, is expected to take centre stage when they go head-to-head against three-time champions ATM at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Bahru.
Kuala Lumpur claimed the men’s title in the 2023 edition following a 4-2 victory over Malacca in the final.
Perak, a team that has added more spice to an event that proved never short of excitement in six decades, will also be determined to eye their 14th title. Perak won the cup in 1966, 1973, 1985, 1987, 1990 (joint champions with ATM), 1992, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 and in 2022.
The first edition of the Razak Cup took place in 1963. The Singaporeans won the title that year, and came back strongly the following year for a back-to-back triumph.
Speaking during the launch of the Tun Abdul Razak Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, Dato’ Sri Dr Anil Sandhu, Vice President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation and Chairman of the Competitions Committee, said MHC welcomes all the teams who will aim to impress in the competition.
Joining the event was Tournament Director Cik Norakma Hashim.
“This year’s tournament has drawn a total of 14 teams in the men’s division, while in the women’s competition that celebrates its ninth edition, will see 11 teams vying for the coveted trophy.”
In the draw for the men’s competition, Kuala Lumpur is in Group A alongside Johor, Pahang, Selangor, Penang, Perlis and Singapore joining the fold. The Group B consist of Malacca, Perak, ATM, Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan and Sabah.
However, women’s competition will be greatly felt with the absence of defending champions Sabah who created history by winning the title for the first time by edging Selangor 2-1, and PDRM who will miss the tournament this year too.
The tournament will also see the participation of the Young Tigress (National Under-21 team) who are preparing for the upcoming Junior Asia Cup in Oman that will be held in December.
“Sabah will be represented by the men’s team only. However, due to lack of budget, the women’s team will not be defending the title. It is always difficult for teams from Sabah and Sarawak to compete in national tournaments due to lack of funds,” said Dato’ Sri Dr Anil, who is also President of Sabah Hockey Association.
Drawn in Group A are Selangor, Penang, Pahang, Perak, and Johor while in Group B are Malacca, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Terengganu, ATM and Young Tigress.
