IIHF President Luc Tardif with players after watching a league game in Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink, Malaysia
photo: © IIHF / Harald Springfeld
Malaysia has a rich history of hosting events. One of the biggest regional highlights were the Southeast Asian Games in 2017, when ice hockey was included in the event for the first time and countries from Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines, took part.
Thanks to the impact of the Southeast Asian Games and the work to this point in growing the game, Malaysia got its first 60x30 metre, full-size ice rink which was recognized by the government as the first-ever National Indoor Sport Stadium for Ice Sports (MyNISS).
In 2017, ice hockey was experiencing an upswing in the country. However, due to difficult times during the pandemic, the ice stadium was closed, infrastructure development in the region was paused, and player registrations declined. Plans to improve and expand operations have recently been revived.
Thanks to the impact of the Southeast Asian Games and the work to this point in growing the game, Malaysia got its first 60x30 metre, full-size ice rink which was recognized by the government as the first-ever National Indoor Sport Stadium for Ice Sports (MyNISS).
In 2017, ice hockey was experiencing an upswing in the country. However, due to difficult times during the pandemic, the ice stadium was closed, infrastructure development in the region was paused, and player registrations declined. Plans to improve and expand operations have recently been revived.
Press Conference with Minister for Youth and Sports in Malaysia, Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan and IIHF President Luc Tardif in Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink, Malaysia
photo: © IIHF / Harald Springfeld
In a recent visit to Kuala Lumpur, IIHF President Luc Tardif highlighted the development potential of ice hockey in the country, where a second international-sized ice arena will be made ice hockey ready with a protective netting will soon be installed: "We believe that ice hockey in Malaysia is coming back stronger than ever thanks to the commitment, passion and close cooperation between the government and the dedicated Malaysia Ice Hockey Federation. We look forward to working closely with the authorities and the Federation to take the sport to the next level and grow the game together.”
During his meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, the IIHF President presented cooperation opportunities and potential support from the IIHF. "After this conversation, combined with the concepts developed by the Federation and the strong support from the sports authorities, it seems only a matter of time before we see more ice hockey development projects in Malaysia and we are really looking forward to it," said Luc Tardif, who also met with rink owners, game officials, athletes and members of the Federation's Board of Directors.
"Development programs and collaborations with our IIHF Asia and Oceania office are currently being discussed and planned: IIHF development programs and regional events such as the Southeast Asian Games (2025 in Thailand, 2027 in Malaysia and 2029 in Singapore) are being organized and will give the region a great boost for the development of ice hockey. This is indeed a unique opportunity that must and will be seized in close cooperation with the dedicated local ice hockey community," said Luc Tardif.
During his meeting with the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh Tseow Suan, the IIHF President presented cooperation opportunities and potential support from the IIHF. "After this conversation, combined with the concepts developed by the Federation and the strong support from the sports authorities, it seems only a matter of time before we see more ice hockey development projects in Malaysia and we are really looking forward to it," said Luc Tardif, who also met with rink owners, game officials, athletes and members of the Federation's Board of Directors.
"Development programs and collaborations with our IIHF Asia and Oceania office are currently being discussed and planned: IIHF development programs and regional events such as the Southeast Asian Games (2025 in Thailand, 2027 in Malaysia and 2029 in Singapore) are being organized and will give the region a great boost for the development of ice hockey. This is indeed a unique opportunity that must and will be seized in close cooperation with the dedicated local ice hockey community," said Luc Tardif.