Hockey: Walsh ready to make a comeback after more than two decades

Walsh, who was the head coach of the Malaysian hockey team from 1990 to 1993, is expected to take charge as the MHC Technical Director in line with the Youth and Sports Ministry to restore Malaysian hockey to its glory days.

The Australian 'maestro' who guided India to qualify for the 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics in Brazil by winning the Incheon Asian Games gold medal in South Korea last year after a gap of 16 years, is said to have formally agreed to return to Malaysia.

National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Ahmad Shapawi Ismail said Walsh had in principle agreed to take up an offer and could be arriving in August or September.

"He will be given the task to chart the future of hockey in the country in total, not specifically the men's team but the women's team as well," he told reporters Thursday.

Ahmad Shapawi said the NSC would discuss the prospect with the MHC after Aidilfitri and make a firm decision soon.

He said Walsh would be given the responsibility to restructure the entire system, coaching, development programmes and talent scouting because the former Australian international has proven track record in his country and India.

The 61-year-old had led the Australian hockey team to win the gold medal at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, Champions Trophy in 1999 and silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics in Australia.

Walsh is also expected to play an important role in the appointment of coaches for the senior and junior teams, just like what Danish master Morten Frost Hansen is doing for the Badminton Association of Malaysia.

The men's head coach currently is Tai Beng Hai.