KUALA LUMPUR: Former national player K. Rajan has had an interesting journey both as a player and a coach in the Razak Cup.
The Perak-born forward played in the Razak Cup from 1975 to 1987. He represented Perak between 1975-1980, followed by Selangor (1981) and KL (1982-1987).
His most outstanding achievement was guiding KL to six Razak Cup titles during his coaching stint at the club between 1992 and 2002.
For the record, he played for Malaysia at the 1977 KL and 1979 Jakarta Sea Games.
Rajan is back in the Razak Cup now coaching Perak, who edged Sabah 5-4 in their opening Group B match at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor Baru today.
The 67-year-old Rajan is proud of his success both as a player and coach in the Razak Cup for the last 49 years.
"I guided KL to six Razak Cup titles. I hope Perak will win it this year," said Rajan.
On the win over Sabah, Rajan said: "It was tough, but we still managed to win.
"We will play Negri Sembilan, Terengganu and the Armed Forces in the next three days."
National forward Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal scored a hat-trick for Perak in the third, 21st and 40th minutes, while captain Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan scored a brace in the third and 52nd minutes.
Saifuddin Azli (fourth), Alves Christiano James (18th), Salman Sudirman (45th) and Faid Farhadh Shah (56th) netted for Sabah.
Results
Men's Group A: Singapore 0 Pahang 18, Johor 3 Perlis 1,
Group B: Sabah 4 Perak 5, Police 1 N. Sembilan 2, Armed Forces 1 Terengganu 3,
Women's Group A: Penang 1 Johor 0, Pahang 1 Perak 2,
Group B: Melaka 1 Young Tigress 3, KL 2 Armed Forces 2.