The Ipoh Lads Junior Hockey Carnival is back, and so are those among the teams that are featured in the annual tournament for the past six years.
The championship was held at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium, Ipoh recently. Some 128 teams from all over Malaysia took part making it as among the biggest junior hockey carnivals in Malaysia.
Tournament Director Jasbir Nannuan said they had to restrict participation to just 128 teams due to limited hockey pitches.
Ipoh Lads was established in September 2009. Its objective is to develop an interest in hockey among the youths and to produce calibre hockey players.
“When we first organised the tournament in 2014 only 36 teams participated. Although the response this year was overwhelming, we had to stop at 128,” said Jasbir.
There were 60 teams for the Under-12 category; 36 for Under-14 and 32 teams for the Under-16 categories.
“The involvement of over 1300 players and officials for the carnival can also be considered a boost for sports tourism for Perak,” Jasbir added. “It’s a great joy to see teams coming back for more and taking even bigger bites at the tournament.’
“And for us to be able to feature all peninsular state teams, which took part last year, is indeed heartwarming,” he said. “To top it off, we too managed to parade team from Sarawak. It goes to show that they were here not just to make the numbers but to add glamour to the event.”
Present at the end of the two-day tournament were Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, Malaysian Hockey Legends, Founder of Action Sports Foundation Hong Kong, Ahmed Khan (main sponsor), Founder of Brodie Meter Sdn Bhd (main sponsor), Etika Sdn Bhd Executive (beverages sponsor), Ipoh Bugs President, Williams and members of the Malaysian Punjabi Bikers.
Faizal, in his speech, said the state government along with current sponsors will be the major sponsor next year. He presented medals, certificates and cash to winners.
Jasbir Nannuan concluded by thanking those present for making this year’s tournament a huge success.
Those who are keen to join the on-going hockey clinic, held twice weekly, please call Jasbir at 016 566 6796.
