The National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil came alive on January 21 and 22, 2025, as it hosted the highly anticipated 3rd edition of the MHC-QNET National SJKT Hockey Championship. This exciting tournament brought together 21 teams from Tamil schools across the nation, comprising 15 boys’ teams and 6 girls’ teams, showcasing their talent, determination, and passion for the sport.
This tournament is an initiative by KHM, QNET, and the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) aimed at encouraging young students from Tamil schools across Malaysia to showcase their talents.
Over 400 students from 52 Tamil schools across 7 states nationwide participated in this tournament. In the boys’ category, the Selangor A team claimed the championship by defeating Penang A 2-0 in the final match. This marked the third consecutive year that the Klang Valley team faced the same rivals in the final. Selangor A’s talented player, N. Santosh, scored both goals in the 3rd and 9th minutes, securing a well-deserved victory for his team.
In the boys’ category, Negeri Sembilan claimed third place, while Johor B secured fourth. Santosh Nagulan of Selangor A was named Top Scorer, having scored an impressive 22 goals. The Best Player award went to Thaniyamithraan Vengades of Penang A, and the Best Goalkeeper honour was given to Vaitheeswarran Ilangovan from Negeri Sembilan. Furthermore, Perak A was recognized with the Fair Play award for their exceptional sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, in the girls’ category, Negeri Sembilan were crowned champions after a goalless draw with Johor, winning 1-0 in a penalty shoot-out. S. Saranya, the tournament’s top scorer, sealed the victory for Negeri Sembilan by successfully converting the decisive penalty. Johor claimed second place, while Kedah finished third and Selangor A took fourth.
Saranya Saminathan from Negeri Sembilan was named Top Scorer with 5 goals, and Danesha Mohan Kumar, also from Negeri Sembilan, earned the Best Player award. The Best Goalkeeper honour went to Shivaani Prabhakaran of Johor, and Kedah received the Fair Play award for their exemplary sportsmanship.
Both champion teams, Selangor A and Negeri Sembilan, walked away with prestigious trophies, gold medals, and a generous cash prize of RM2,000 each. The victory not only highlighted their exceptional skills and teamwork but also served as a well-deserved reward for their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament.
The 3rd edition of the MHC-QNET National SJKT Hockey Championship served as an invaluable platform for Tamil school students to hone their skills in hockey while showcasing their dedication to the sport. The tournament not only highlighted the immense talent within the Tamil school community but also emphasized the importance of prioritizing athletic development alongside academic achievements. As these young athletes continue to nurture their passion for hockey, the future holds great promise for Tamil school students, who are poised to excel at state, national, and even global levels. With the support of such tournaments, we can look forward to seeing them reach new heights in the world of sports.
Source: Malaysian Hockey Confederation
