HAVING more than a decade of experience in the field of hockey, SK Batu Ferringhi coach Azwira Abu is determined to contribute to enhancing the sport in Penang as his expertise will be a valuable asset to the local hockey scene.
Azwira recently led his under-12 boys’ team to shine internationally when they emerged as the second runners-up in the Dharmaraj Hockey Cup championship in Jakarta, Indonesia under-14 category which was held from Sept 8 to 11.
“After going down to team ‘Bandung’ 0-2 in the semifinals, we went on to secure a win over ‘Kabupaten Kudus’, a team from Indonesia, in the third-place playoff,” Azwira told Buletin Mutiara during an interview at the USM Hockey Stadium recently.
Azwira explained that his under-12 boys’ team had initially intended to participate in under-12 matches but had to compete in under-14 matches upon their arrival in Jakarta.
Despite their defeat in the semi-finals, Azwira expressed pride in his determined young athletes.
“While we were a school squad, the others were state-level squads,” Azwira added while praising his boys who gave their best.
Azwira shared that the championship was won by another team from Malaysia, Academy Hockey Desa Petaling, who defeated team ‘Bandung’ during the finals.
Azwira conveyed his gratitude to state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, who is also the Tanjong Bungah assemblyman, for being a great support to the development of SK Batu Ferringhi’s hockey team.
“YB Zairil has helped us a lot in terms of facilities (provided in-door training ground), sponsoring jerseys, and so on. Apart from that, the Penang State Sports Council has also given their support to us,” he added.
It is learned the SK Batu Ferringhi hockey team consists of players who have represented the state as well as SUKMA (Malaysia Games).
Other than that, Azwira also said the SK Batu Ferringhi girls’ squad is currently preparing to play in an upcoming tournament in Bandung, Indonesia this November.
“Since 2016, we have been training our students to play hockey as it is the main sport of our school. We play hockey throughout the year. I hope playing hockey can become an integral part of the community’s culture,” he said.
Touching on the development of hockey in Penang, Azwira noted it has improved significantly over the years with the formation of many hockey teams in schools and also hockey clubs.
“This is something good as we will have a large pool of hockey talents and prevent a shortage of players in the state.
“Perhaps, we just need help from coaches to make the hockey teams in Penang much stronger. I also hope that the state government can provide us with a training ground in the Batu Ferringhi neighbourhood.
“Currently, we have to travel all the way from Batu Ferringhi to USM Stadium or to Bertam to conduct training.
“My desire is to make Batu Ferringhi a hub for hockey sport,” said Azwira, who is also the coach for the Penang schools (MSSPP).
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by M.Vekenesvaran