KUALA LUMPUR: From national player to chief executive officer of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
That's the curve that Nishel Kumar, from Tampin, Negri Sembilan, has carved for himself in the sport which is close to his heart.
Officially, he started work on March 1, but the announcement was only made today.
"Being a government servant with the National Sports Council (NSC), I have been seconded to the MHC on a yearly contract, and the main agenda for this year is the Kuala Lumpur Junior World Cup in December," said Nishel.
He also knows most of the coaches and players in the hockey circle, and this will make his task much easier.
"I know all the recent coaches because they used to be my teammates and had played hockey with me before.
"This will make my approach easier as I manage the MHC," said Nishel.
Nishel was also in charge of Anti- Doping Malaysia (ADAMAS), and has been around the globe with the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA).
"Over the years, I have made many contacts in WADA, and that will also come in handy in my new career," said Nishel.
Norfaraha Hashim was the earlier CEO, and MHC did not renew her contarct which ended on Dec 31.
Back then, MHC president Datuk Subahan Kamal had said: "The national body is looking for a candidate to fill Norfaraha's vacancy, preferably a former national player.
"The person we are looking for should have knowledge in hockey as we will host the Junior World Cup in Bukit Jalil from Dec 5-16."