SEPANG: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has urged S. Kumar’s employer Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) to offer a promotion to the goalkeeper for his countless contributions to the national team.
The 38-year-old meter reader grabbed headlines in London when he won the best goalkeeper award for helping Malaysia finish fourth in the Hockey World League, which concluded on Sunday.
“Kumar played a very important role in Malaysia’s qualification to the World Cup in India next year.
“It is time for the country to reward Kumar for his contributions in hockey.
“TNB should seriously look into offering him a promotion. It is time for him to climb up the ladder. We are now talking to TNB,” said MHC president, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, who was in KLIA to welcome the national players from London on Tuesday.
Kumar has won numerous best goalkeeper awards in international tournaments since 2007.
The Tampin-born was also voted Asia’s best player in 2010.
Subahan described Kumar as very professional in all aspects.
“He trains very hard and is not a demanding person.
“Many would be thinking of retirement at 38 but Kumar, I believe, can still go on for another two years,” Subahan added.
Kumar’s family unfurled a banner, which read ‘We are proud of you, S. Kumar’, when the goalkeeper emerged from the arrival gate.
When asked about the initiatives MHC is taking to help him get more recognition, the soft-spoken Kumar said he is only focused on playing hockey.
“I am honoured. I play hockey because I love the game...rewards and recognition are secondary,” said Kumar.