The Malaysian Bar hockey team emerged victorious in the 51st Malaysia-Singapore Bench and Bar Games held in Johor Baru, making this year’s National Day celebration particularly sweet for them. The annual event, which began in 1969, features 17 competitive and three non-competitive sports. Led by Chief Justice Tun Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, Malaysia’s delegation participated in the games, marking the first time that Johor hosted the event. The hockey match, traditionally the opening game, happened at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium on August 31.
Malaysia took the lead in the 12th minute when Khairul Idham Ismail dribbled past Singaporean defenders and scored, giving his team a 1-0 advantage. In the 42nd minute, team captain Sanjay Kumar Saigal doubled their lead with a goal from a penalty corner in the third quarter. However, Singapore managed to pull one back in the 55th minute. Despite the visiting team’s continuous pressure, Malaysia’s defensive display prevented further goals. The final score was 2-1, bringing immense joy to the Malaysian contingent. This victory served as a morale boost for Malaysia, who went on to become the overall winner of the games.
R. Jayabalan, the chairperson of the Johor Bar and co-chair of the organizing committee, expressed his honor in hosting the Malaysia-Singapore Bench and Bar Games. According to him, the event promotes camaraderie and friendly competition among legal professionals from both countries, strengthening the bonds within the legal fraternity.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
