KUALA LUMPUR: K. Dharmaraj, who feels he has a proven track record, has applied for the post of head coach of the national men's hockey team.
Dharmaraj is currently the technical director of the Indonesian national hockey team, and his contract with them is from 2020 to 2025.
The Olympian from Melaka, who was in Kuala Lumpur last week to visit his family, said his contract with Indonesia allows him to give one month's notice to leave.
Dharmaraj, 55, said: "I have a proven track record in coaching both the national juniors and seniors as well as the women's team."
Among his achievements are guiding the national junior team to the 2011 Sultan of Johor Cup title, the 2012 Asia Junior Cup title and fourth place in the 2013 Junior World Cup.
"I want to return to Malaysia because of my family. I have been away from them for the last four years," he said.
Dharmaraj, who was the national senior men's team coach from 2014 to 2018, also helped Malaysia reach the 2014 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final.
He also guided the Malaysian women's team to the indoor gold at the 2019 Sea Games.
Ironically, at the 2023 Sea Games, Dharmaraj guided Indonesia to a shock win over Malaysia for their first ever men's indoor hockey title.
Former national coach Sarjit Singh and A. Arul Selvaraj, whose contract ended after the Olympics Qualifier in Oman last month, were among five Malaysians who have applied for the job.
A total of 23 candidates, including 18 foreigners, had applied, and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation will shortlist only five for interviews.