Tributes flood in for a Malaysian hockey legend

 Chua Boon Huat.

(Photo: FIH / Frank Uijlenbroek)

 

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) is saddened to learn of the passing of Malaysia international Chua Boon Huat. The 33 year old - who was one of Malaysian Hockey’s longest serving players, making 337 appearances for Malaysia between 1998 and 2013 – died in the early hours of Thursday 1^st August following a road traffic accident.  

    The FIH offers its sincere condolences to Chua’s family, friends and everyone at the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) at this very difficult time.

Reacting to the news of Chua’s passing, Malaysia head coach Paul Revington described him as a truly great man and an unbelievable asset to the team.

    “It was a pleasure to have him standing in the same dressing room as me and coaching him”, said Revington. He really loved his teammates.”

    Under legendary German coach Paul Lissek, Chua made his Malaysia debut as a 17-year-old at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, where the team won a silver medal in front of their home crowd.

      He also won a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia. Chua also played in all of the major international hockey competitions, including World Cup, Olympic Games, Champions Trophy, Asian Games and the Asia Cup. 

    Most recently, Chua was a central figure in the Malaysia team that finished fifth in the Hockey World League Semi Final competition in Johor Bahru.

    Tributes have been pouring from members of the hockey family all around the world, with players, coaches and fans taking to social media to offer their condolences. Here is a brief selection of some of the comments being posted to Twitter.

    “Can't believe what I just read. R.I.P Chua. My thoughts are with his family.”
    Philipp Zeller - Germany international.‏

“Sad to hear about Chua Boon Huat. Big loss for both Malaysian and world hockey. Best wishes to his family, friends and teammates.”   Scott Tupper - Canadian international.

“Hockey Australia sends its condolences to the Malaysian hockey family following the tragic death of national player Chua Boon Huat.”   Hockey Australia.

“Terribly sad news is the passing away of Malaysian hockey star, Chua Boon Huat.”
   Dave Staniforth - Hockey India’s strategic analyst / goalkeeping coach.

“Condolences to Chua Boon Huat's family & Hockey Malaysia on their loss. Thoughts are with you.”   Lloyd Norris-Jones - South African international.

“CANNOT BELIEVE THIS. He was the reason why I played hockey in Standard Five. RIP Chua Boon Huat. Waking up to such bitter news.”   Scott Lee Yuen Mann – Fan.

“We will miss you Chua Boon Huat.” Team Malaysia.