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In Malaysia, the youth hockey scene is growing thanks to tournaments such as Kejohanan Hoki 6 & 7 Sebelah Piala TNB Thunderbolts 2025
Held at Padang Kelab Kilat in TNB Bangsar, this year's edition gathered 133 teams and 1,197 male and female players from around Malaysia to participate in Under-12 (U12) and Under-18 (U18) categories.
Also, several of Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)'s adopted schools, including Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI), SMK Seberang Temerloh (AHP-SSN), SM Tinggi Melaka (SSN Predator), and SMK Pengkalan Permatang (PPHT), competed this year.
In many aspects, the tournament pushed participants to become well-rounded players
Players were given the opportunity to experience true match pressure, which is vital for building tactical awareness, teamwork, discipline, and problem-solving.
For many younger athletes, this was also the first time facing teams outside their district or state.
The exposure helps them adapt to different styles of play and understand the demands of higher-level competition. With support from the Thunderbolts development system, these experiences form an important step for players who aim to progress to junior and national levels.
"The 6 & 7-a-side formats allow young players to handle pressure in real competition, develop character and mental toughness (winning humbly, losing gracefully), and boost their self-confidence to try new skills." explained coach Mohd Syukuri Maslan.
"Crucially, it sharpens creativity and 'game sense' due to the faster, dynamic pace which demands quick thinking. Overall, this tournament serves as the fundamental platform that forms the DNA of young players before they advance to higher levels," he added.
The presence of national icons lent a meaningful boost to the event
Two former Olympians, Nor Azlan Bakar and Madzli Ikmar, together with 13 national hockey players, were present during the event. They interacted with participants, shared advice, and offered encouragement throughout the tournament.
For young athletes, learning directly from former Olympians and current national players creates a strong source of motivation.
"Seeing sports icons up close and not just on TV lets young players feel that success is realistic and not out of their reach," said coach Mohd Khairil Ikram.
"They see for themselves that great athletes also had to start from the lowest point, just like them. This indirectly motivates them, and they will strive harder in training to achieve their dream of becoming like their idol players," he added.
Overall, the participants managed to deliver strong performances in all categories
Schools and academies showed impressive teamwork and game awareness across both Super Pool and Premier Pool divisions.
Anuar Ibrahim, a teacher at Sekolah Kebangsaan Taman Bersatu, Simpang Pulai, Perak , said that the tournament [presented the perfect stage for children to elevate their talent and, indirectly, to foster the ambition of one day representing the nation.
"This tournament has ignited the children's competitive drive. Right after the game, they immediately began discussing ways to strengthen the team for next year. Even the young ones talked about wanting to snatch back the champion title, and that makes me proud," he said.
With continued support from the Thunderbolts programme, more young players are gaining structured opportunities to grow and compete at higher levels
To know more about TNB's hockey development programmes and youth tournaments, you can follow Hokita on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
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