KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah hosted a special reception to meet over 120 players of the Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) Malaysian Veteran Hockey Association at Istana Negara, here today (November 9).
Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also graced the ceremony to celebrate the success of the veteran hockey team.
Tengku Arif Temenggong Tengku Fahd Mua'adzam Al-Marhum Sultan Ahmad Shah who is the president of the association, was also present.
At the ceremony, Al-Sultan Abdullah also presented plaques to 20 players aged above 60 for their success in securing third place in the Tokyo 2022 World Masters Championship that took place in October last year.
Meanwhile in his speech, Tengku Fahd described the event as very meaningful for the SAS Malaysian Veteran Hockey Association as His Masjesty's presence showed invaluable support for the association.
"Two years ago, His Majesty, my elder brother, asked me to chair this organisation to continue our father's legacy.
"I am honoured by the trust placed in me by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, but more so, the trust he places in all of us to continue building bridges between Malaysian communities through sport. Let us keep that spirit of inclusion and unity alive," he said.
Tengku Fadh said that the hockey team would also be competing in the Asia Cup tournament in Hong Kong next month.
"Next month, we will be competing in the Asia Cup in Hong Kong. You have my best wishes and I have faith we will be able to retain the Asia Cup title that we won two years ago. Next year, we will compete in the World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, the famous home of the All Blacks," he said. – BERNAMA