As Lissek spoke at the team meeting, the captain, Mirnawan Nawawi, had a glint in his eye.

The Melaka-born striker, known as “The Boss”, believed his moment of glory was near.

Four hours later, Mirnawan marked his 27th birthday with a “golden goal” in Malaysia’s 1-0 win over India, sending the nation into rapturous celebration.

Despite being knocked down by an Indian player as they fought for position, he got the winning goal, convinced that pain of the body is temporary.

The image of him waving his jersey and running around the Bukit Jalil hockey stadium pitch, followed by his teammates, remains an iconic snapshot of a bygone hockey era.

Yesterday, the three-time Olympian and current manager of the national men’s hockey team, turned 50.

He celebrated his birthday on a plane to London with the players, coaches and support staff of the hockey squad who are on a tour of the United Kingdom until Oct 22.

Mirnawan said it was his longest birthday ever, considering the 15-hour flight, including transit, and then arriving in London eight hours behind Malaysian time.

“50 years old, unbelievable! It feels like it all began yesterday,” the hockey superstar told FMT by phone as he reflected on his career that also spanned three Asian Games, one Champions Trophy and two World Cups.

Mirnawan is still one of the most recognised sporting figures in Malaysia, years after his retirement in 2002 and scoring 250 career goals for the country.

He is one of the reasons why kids pick up the hockey stick. Having been among the most feared forwards in the world, his 14-year sporting journey is full of adventures that inspire.

“Thank you for your love and unconditional support. I would never have been able to do it without my teammates, coaches, managers and the 12th player in the team – the fans,” Mirnawan said, in response to the birthday wishes he received.

“I am confident the current national senior and junior teams will make waves in world hockey as they are gifted players playing with grit and determination,” he said.

Mirnawan’s stories of courage and being accorded hero status should motivate young sportspeople to become an athlete in his mould.

In 1998, the “Prince of Malaysian hockey” was seated at the same table as Queen Elizabeth II for high tea at the Commonwealth Games village.

He was given the privilege as the representative of male athletes while bowling star, Shalin Zulkifli, representing female athletes, was on the same table as Prince Philip.

“It was an experience of a lifetime. She spoke softly when I asked her how she felt about the Games, the weather in Kuala Lumpur and if she had visited any landmarks,” he said.

Winner in sudden death

But the match against India on his 27th birthday remains his most memorable moment.

His goal in extra-time – which followed the sudden death rule, with the first team to score being declared the winner – avoided a penalty shootout with India and put Malaysia in the final against Australia.

His teammate, K Logan Raj recalled the lead-up to the “biggest game of the year”, saying, “We weren’t expected to win. But we weren’t cowards. Our hearts were aflame, the blaze a hellish inferno.”

With two hours to go, the team made their way to the stadium for the 8.35pm match. “As we got off, we heard the raucous and rapturous cheer of Malaysians awaiting us. It was to be one hell of an evening.”

The stadium was packed, with thousands more locked outside at the mercy of ticket scalpers.

The match took off in terrific fashion. The atmosphere was electric, with Malaysia under pressure for most of the regulation 70 minutes.

Logan said in extra-time, deft stickwork and blazing speed won Malaysia a penalty corner. Glory beckoned.

His brother, Keevan, rolled the ball in towards Azlan Bakar, who trapped it perfectly. As Mirnawan began his run towards the goal, an Indian player knocked him down as they fought for position.

“I noticed a clear grimace. The blow must have hurt,” said Logan. “He kept on moving, inch by inch. Each step laborious, convinced that pain of the body is temporary.”

He said defender S Kuhan took the ball off Azlan Bakar and relayed it to Mirnawan who stretched his body to meet the ball, “pain a constant throughout every movement”.

The ball had rebounded off three sticks and could have gone anywhere. But didn’t.

Logan said Mirnawan guided the ball which hit the back of the net. “I felt my heart stop. Every instance was a moment worth remembering.”

“Mirnawan picked himself up, oblivious now to the pain and hurt. He circled the field, screaming at the very top of his lungs,” he added.

Malaysia, then seventh in world ranking, made the final of the first men’s field hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games.

Logan said although they lost to Australia 4-0, “glory is forever.”