Some evenings, they trade their robes for a jersey, and the small mallet for a hockey stick.

They step onto the pitch with the same intensity and focus that characterise their judicial duties.

Federal Court judge Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal and Court of Appeal judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah are two unlikely players in the over 60s Sultan Ahmad Shah (SAS) veterans’ hockey team.

Harmindar, a forward-midfielder, will not be in the over 60s Malaysian team at the World Masters Hockey World Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, beginning tomorrow, due to work commitments.

Sequerah will be in the 18-man squad as a forward – a skill that was evident from his student days at La Salle Petaling Jaya.

Both men epitomise the duality of professional rigour and personal passion, bringing their strategic thinking and decisiveness to the game.

Teammates say the judges are a unique breed of individuals who impeccably balance the gravitas of the courtroom with the exhilaration of the sports field.

In a profession often perceived as austere and unbending, the sporting side of these judges offer a breath of fresh air, showcasing the human side of the judiciary.

Their stories inspire not only their peers in the legal community but also the broader public, reminding us all of the importance of pursuing our passions, no matter our professional paths.

Balancing two worlds

Sequerah’s sporting journey began in his youth, when he exhibited talent and a competitive spirit as a hockey player and long-distance runner.

As a forward in the Selangor under-20 hockey team, he was known for his agility, quick decision-making, and precise shots – qualities that would later define his legal acumen.

For him, the strategy involved in hockey – “anticipating the opponent’s moves, quick thinking, and precise execution” – is similar to building a case.

Sequerah, 64, said hockey was also a vital source of relaxation and camaraderie for him, serving as a perfect outlet for physical activity and mental rejuvenation.

However, balancing a judicial career with a passion for sport is not without its challenges, especially in time management.

Yet, he views these challenges as opportunities to test his limits and optimise his efficiency.

He said the team to Auckland had trained three times a week since February and that he made it for most of the practice sessions.

According to Sequerah there are other judges who find joy and fulfilment outside of their careers in pursuits such as biking and hiking.

Asked about the chances of the over 60s team in Auckland, he said they hoped to improve on their third placing in the tournament in 2022.

Going to the World Cup without a coach

The over 60s team comprises the two legal minds, Malaysia hockey head coach Sarjit Singh, corporate leaders, professionals, and former national and state players, each bringing their own distinct touch to the field.

However, Sarjit, who is also coach of this squad and the most influential player, is unable to make the trip to Auckland due to his commitments with the national senior team.

His absence is worrying the players and officials who say he is needed to bridge any gaps between coaching strategies and on-field execution and to boost the country’s hopes of winning the title.

Team manager, SD Nicholas, described Sarjit as the linchpin of the side as a leader, tactician and player.

He said: “His immense knowledge of the game and playing styles of competing teams will greatly assist us in the tournament.”

Nicholas said the 45s, 50s and 55s teams also required Sarjit’s guidance as he had also coached them for their respective campaigns in Auckland.

Former national goalkeeper, James D’Cruz, said Sarjit was instrumental in Malaysia winning the over 60s title at the Asian Masters meeting in Hong Kong last year.

He recalled Sarjit scoring all five goals, three through penalty corner conversions and two field goals, in Malaysia’s opening match against Hong Kong.

D’Cruz said Sarjit had also instilled a winning mentality that guided the 45s team to gold and the 55s to silver at the championships.

He said junior hockey players should watch the 45s final in which Malaysia, led by former national star Keevan Raj, came from 4-0 down at half-time to beat Hong Kong 7-6.

“It was a nail-biting match that threw up Malaysia’s fighting spirit, with Sarjit screaming instructions from the sidelines, leaving an exasperated Hong Kong, laden with expatriate players, wondering what had hit them,” he said.

In Auckland, the over 60s team play their opening match on Thursday against Singapore followed by ties against Japan and New Zealand.

The 50s are in the same group as Spain, New Zealand and Japan while the 45s face South Africa, Australia and Bangladesh in the group phase.

SAS – a labour of love

The task of forming the Sultan Ahmad Shah Malaysian Veterans’ Hockey Association (SAS) was no small feat.

It required a deep commitment to bringing together players who had once been fierce competitors but had since moved on to other phases of their lives.

In 1981, the late Sultan Ahmad Shah of Pahang and several dedicated veterans and officials embarked on this mission with enthusiasm and perseverance.

The first step in this noble endeavour was to reach out to former players, rekindling their love for the game.

SAS soon symbolised the dedication of veterans to sport.

The present Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, continued his father’s legacy by enhancing an environment where veteran hockey players could flourish.

Three years ago, he asked his brother Tengku Arif Temenggong Pahang Tengku Fahd Muad’zam Shah to chair the association.

Tengku Fahd, SAS deputy president Majid Manjit Abdullah and vice-president Surinder Singh have gone to great lengths to ensure the veterans’ teams have access to proper training facilities, coaching staff, and medical support.

In moments of financial shortfall, Manjit has not hesitated to dip into his own pockets to ensure that the SAS teams could continue to thrive. His personal sacrifices are a testament to his belief in the cause.

Financial support is a crucial factor in determining the success of any team. But getting sponsorship is a tireless pursuit, and SAS teams now are all self-sponsored.

Players and officials have to fork out their own money to book the hockey pitches for training, and bear the cost of their flight and accommodation for competitions abroad.

Organisations like SAS could do with an annual grant from the youth and sports ministry to cover all the expenses associated with running veterans’ teams.

We must ensure that the love for the game transcends generations and continues to inspire and engage those who have long since hung up their competitive boots.

The vision must extend beyond the boundaries of personal achievement, and reach out to encompass a broader community of veterans who had dedicated their lives to the game but found themselves drifting away as the years went by.

Young hockey players in Malaysia can be significantly enriched by learning from the devotion of the country’s veterans.

These seasoned athletes provide more than just a legacy of wins and accolades; they offer a living example of the virtues necessary for sustained success in hockey.