KUALA LUMPUR – I. Vikneswaran is set to become the president of the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Association (KLHA) for a second term after winning the presidential post uncontested.
The decision follows the KLHA council’s recent nullification of all candidates from the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Sports Education Association (HockAcademy), led by Datuk Seri Megat Shahriman Zaharudin.
The nullification came after it was discovered that signatures on the nomination forms from Megat’s coalition had allegedly been forged.
As a result, Vikneswaran faces no competition for the position, with Megat, the sole challenger, now out of the race.
Speaking to reporters during a press conference, Vikneswaran expressed his commitment to using his next term in office to elevate the association’s profile among stakeholders and address the longstanding water pump issue at the Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium.
“There is a lot of work ahead, especially in strengthening our relationship with the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). We are also planning to organise more leagues and tournaments throughout the year.
“But most importantly, my main priority is to get the turf up and running by resolving the water pump issue that has plagued our association for years.
“When we met with DBKL last week, they assured us that the repair work will commence soon, and we aim to have it completed within the next couple of months. This will be my primary focus as president.
“The Kuala Lumpur Hockey Stadium is our home ground, and we need to maintain it. We cannot afford to pay high rents to play at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium for tournaments. I prefer not to talk too much about my plans until I have completed my unfinished tasks,” said Vikneswaran.
It is expected that approximately RM300,000 will be needed to repair the pumps.
Under Vikneswaran’s leadership, KLHA ended their 12-year Tun Abdul Razak Cup title drought, lifting the trophy for the 19th time in the team’s history in 2023. – 23 January 2025