YOUNGEST PLAYER ARVIND EXCITED ABOUT 2025 MHL DEBUT

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 14 (Bernama) – The youngest player in the 2025 Malaysian Hockey League (MHL), Arvind Zachary Steven, is ready to rub shoulders with the big boys in the national league.

The 15-year-old striker might make his MHL debut with newcomers Matador in their opening match against Nurinsafi Sporting at the Bertam Hockey Stadium in Penang tomorrow.

Speaking to Bernama, the SMK Bukit Bandaraya Form Three student expressed excitement about being part of the team and the league at such a young age, having taken up hockey at the age of seven.

“Definitely, it will be tough to play against the experienced and best players in the country, as well as a few imports. But I believe I will be able to perform with the support of my coaches and teammates.

“I might play my first game tomorrow if the coach gives me the opportunity. Hopefully, I can play well, perform in the league and maybe even score a few goals,” he said.

Arvind said he started his sports journey with golf, but his parents encouraged him to take up another sport in primary school, so he chose to play hockey in both school and a club.

The Seberang Perai native later enrolled in the Jiwa Mohan Hockey Academy after the COVID-19 pandemic, where he made significant improvements.

Commenting on Matador’s preparation for the MHL under coach K. Yogeswaran, Arvind said the training was vigorous and of a very high standard.

“It was way tougher and something I have never experienced before, even in the Jiwa Mohan Academy or during sessions with German legend Paul Lissek in the academy. Whatever coach Yoges has taught us is really something new to me, and I hope it will be very useful in developing my career,” he said.

After playing Nurinsafi Sporting, Matador will face tougher challenges against heavyweights Maybank on Friday and 2024 MHL treble winners Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) on Sunday. Both matches will be played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

-- BERNAMA