KUALA LUMPUR: The National Under-16 hockey tournament ended on a happy note for the teams after a two-year wait caused by Covid-19.
Every state was represented in the boys' event, while only Kedah did not field a team in the girls' competition.
Negri Sembilan head coach K. Rajan was impressed with the quality of players.
"I watched most of the matches and was impressed with the large number of quality players in every state.
"It looks like many states have been doing good grassroots development," said Rajan today.
Pahang won the boys' event when they edged Selangor 2-1 while Penang defended their girls' title by beating Negri Sembilan 2-1, both on Sunday.
Negri and Penang are among the few states, who will be fielding their Under-16 players in the upcoming Junior Hockey League (JHL).
"At least, 10 boys from this tournament will be picked for the JHL. It will help them gain exposure and build their confidence further," said Rajan.
As for the players with talent from the under-16 pool, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) should monitor their progress, at least 25 from each gender, by inviting them for regular camps, considering that there are not many tournaments catered for players in this category.
Coaches under the National Hockey Development Programme should also guide players in this age-group.