Hockey players with officials and guests during the launching of the hockey tournament.
SIBU: Education and Technological Research Assistant Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee believes it’s high time Sibu has its own Astroturf hockey pitch to cater the need of the sport in the area and bring back Sibu’s glory days.
The Nangka assemblyman said he would send in a request and discuss the matter with Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
“I will ask the state government and hope that they will approve our request for an Astroturf pitch to be built here in Sibu.
“The central region of Sarawak has yet to have such facility that would enable the hosting of divisional and state level championships,” he told reporters after opening the DUN Nangka closed 5-a-side hockey tournament 2018 at Kampung Datu Baru futsal court here yesterday.
Dr Annuar recently had a meeting with hockey enthusiasts including local players who have been campaigning for Sibu revival in the sport.
Sibu team were Sarawak Cup champions nine times during a stretch from 1970s to early 1980s.
They also represented Sarawak and won the Borneo Cup.
“We believe that the pitch will help us restore the glory days of hockey in Sibu and unearth new talents to represent Sarawak or Malaysia,” he added.
Dr Annuar said the hockey tournament would be included in DUN 55 Nangka challenge series, which also feature futsal, 7-a-side football, bowling and sepaktakraw starting next year.
He said through this effort, it would rekindle the interest of hockey among younger generation and provide a platform for new hockey talents to shine at top level.