AGE-GROUP hockey is heading back to schools, as the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) feel they have too much in their stable.The Champions School, Under-14 and Under-16 will be organised by the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) from next year.
"We had a re-look at all the tournaments that we host, and feel that age-group should be held by MSSM from next year. We will, however, still provide MSSM with the technical aspect of the game," said MHF president Tan Sri Admiral (rtd) Anwar Mohd Nor.
MHF will now concentrate on the Under-21, Junior Hockey League, Malaysia Hockey League and the Razak Cup.
The MHF had contemplated scrapping the Champions School tournament, because the MSSM wanted to re-in troduce the Premier Schools tournament.
"That would be doubling up, as Champions School and Premier School would have run in the same format, and serve little purpose in the end," said Anwar.
However, the plan might back-fire, as MSSM started a carnival format this year, which saw hockey being played over 10 days and the rush-job saw many glitches.
"It is their (MSS) players (schoolchildren), so we feel it is better they handle the age-group tournaments, while the MHF concentrates on elite tournaments from next year.
"This will make sure there is a balance in development, and elite tournaments," said Anwar.
