Four national teams will benefit from the sponsorship deal between the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) and Mizuno in their preparation for international tournaments.
Mizuno Malaysia Sdn Bhd has selected MHC as its latest new kit partner for the national senior and junior women’s teams, as well as the national men’s and women’s indoor hockey teams.
The men’s indoor team will compete in the 2025 Men’s FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup at Žatika Sport Centre in Poreč, Croatia from Feb 3-9.
However, for a start, the Young Tigress, a moniker given to the women’s junior team, will be provided with full attire including shoes when they compete in the Junior Asia Cup from Dec 7-15 in Muscat, Oman.
The senior women team known as the Malaysian Tigress will receive their attire after going through the approval process by FIH – the world governing body.
Malaysian Tigress are scheduled to compete in the 8th Women’s Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar from Nov 11-20.
The Tigress will face India in the opening match on Oct 11. This year’s ACT will see China, Japan, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Thailand compete for the title.
India won the ACT in 2016 and reclaimed the title last year in Ranchi, beating Japan in the final.
Speaking at the signing of the official apparel sponsorship deal with Mizuno at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today, MHC President Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said: “We are starting with Mizuno for all four teams. It is a big honour and respect for us that Mizuno is showing interest in sponsoring the national hockey teams. I hope the players give a good performance in the Women’s ACT in Bihar, India and the Junior Asia Cup in Oman.”
“This Mizuno apparel should inspire the teams. Mizuno is a world-famous brand. They sponsor Japan, Great Britain and Ireland hockey teams and a few clubs in Europe. The sponsorship deal between MHC and Mizuno is worth RM300,000 a year and covers all four Malaysian national teams,” added Subahan.
Mizuno Country Manager, Darren Wong, said most of the top hockey players in the world wear Mizuno apparel and shoes. It is our aim to promote Mizuno hockey shoes within the hockey fraternity.
“We are happy and excited about this partnership with MHC. We wish all four national teams’ good luck when they compete in international tournaments,” said Darren.
Speedy Tigers prolific forwards Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal and Shello Silverius are the Ambassadors of Mizuno brand.