KUALA LUMPUR: Former national hockey player S. Sivabalan, 59, died on Saturday afternoon (March 12) in Ipoh, Perak.

       His death was confirmed by Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) deputy president Prof Datuk Dr S. Shamala.

       Sivabalan had collapsed at 3.30pm while playing a hockey match commemorating the 125th anniversary of the Royal Ipoh Club at the grounds of the Perak Sikh Union Club.

       "I was given to understand that his friends were with him when he suddenly collapsed while playing.

       "They tried to provide emergency resuscitation but he did not show any response,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

       Sivabalan was part of the national hockey squad in the 1980s and also played for Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) in the 1990s, in the team then known as Kilat Club.

       With Kilat, he led the team to the famous treble during 1991/1992 season.It was the first treble won by any club in MHL history.

       With the national team he represented the national side for many years and played in all the top international tournaments.

       Meanwhile, Former Malaysian hockey international Maninderjit Singh was shocked to hear about the passing of his good friend.

       He pointed out that Sivabalan was a household name in the 1980s and early 1990s.

       “He was a great friend and a role model within the hockey fraternity. He was a dedicated player whose achievement will motivate the next generation of athletes,” he said.

       After Sivabalan retired from playing professionally, he coached and played hockey for social clubs.

       “Hockey was in his blood and even though he is gone, he left doing what he loved most,” Maninderjit said.

       “This is not goodbye. Wherever you are, you will be missed.”