NATIONAL women’s hockey player Hanis Nadiah Onn said she accepts the decision of the National Sports Council’s (NSC) investigation committee and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to suspend her from representing the national team at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games this May with an open heart.

Although disappointed, the 26-year-old said that she remains committed to chasing the championship trophy for the Negri Sembilan team in the 2023 Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).

“As a professional athlete, I will put aside (this problem), and I am committed to my club because the club looks after my well-being. I also respect the club and the MHC.

“If I perform well in the league and the association gives me another opportunity (to represent the country), I will prove that I am still relevant as a national representative,” she said after the 2023 Women’s MHL Charity Shield match in Kuala Lumpur last night.

Hanis, who was named 2016 Asian Player of the Year, said she is determined not to repeat the mistake, reminding other athletes to always be careful when making any posts on social media.

Yesterday, the NSC’s investigation committee and the MHC made the decision to suspend Hanis. She will not allowed to represent the national team at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games in May.

The decision was made following an alleged racist comment made by the athlete on social media related to Indian singer and composer A.R. Rahman’s concert in the capital last month. – Bernama, February 10, 2023.