Former Malaysia Hockey Coach Sarjit Singh Dies at 63
Sarjit Singh, the former head coach of Malaysia's national men's hockey team, died on Sunday at the age of 63. He passed away at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) in Cheras at 10 pm, as confirmed by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) via its official Facebook account.
The MHC expressed its deepest condolences to Sarjit's family and loved ones, remembering his dedication, service, and contributions to Malaysian hockey both as a player and as a head coach. "His dedication, service, and contributions to Malaysian hockey - both as a player and as a head coach - will always be remembered," the confederation said in its post. "Our heartfelt condolences go to his family and loved ones. May they find strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Sarjit's son, Nischal, told online news portal Free Malaysia Today that his father had been in hospital for more than a month after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia, a rare but aggressive blood cancer. He said his father died with his family by his side and described him as a "no-nonsense person" who loved playing tennis and pickleball. "His constant care for everyone around him made him an icon and a legend," Nischal said.
The news of Sarjit's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from the hockey community. Former Malaysian hockey captain N. Sri Shanmuganathan praised Sarjit's abilities, telling the New Straits Times (NST) that he could read a game well and had a vision of how to overcome opponents. "Sarjit had great skills, and he was the most outstanding player during his playing days. No other national player can match his skills and his ability," Shanmuganathan said.
Sarjit had a distinguished playing career, representing Malaysia from 1982 until 1993. He captained the national team at the 1982 Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur and later led the side at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona. He also represented Malaysia at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and won bronze medals at the Asian Games in New Delhi in 1982 and Beijing in 1990.
Sarjit was captain of Malaysia's national hockey team for seven years and was part of the Asian All-Star team in 1987, a squad chosen by the Asian Hockey Federation to recognise the top field hockey players in Asia.
After retiring as a player, Sarjit moved into coaching. He first served as national coach from 2007 to 2008, and also coached the national junior team from 2004 until 2006. He returned for a second stint as head coach from March 2024 until March 2026, recently guiding the national team to finish fourth in the World Cup Qualifier in Ismailia, Egypt. He also previously helmed the Speedy Tigers from March 2024 until last March.
According to the New Straits Times, Sarjit's funeral will be held on August 25 at the Jalan Loke Yew Crematorium in Kuala Lumpur. A Bernama report said wake and funeral details were not available at the time of filing.