KUALA LUMPUR: A father figure more than a coach. That is how generations of Malaysian hockey players remember legendary player and coach C. Paramalingam, who died earlier today in Klang at the age of 91.
Affectionately known as Charlie Param, he touched the lives of countless players, first as a forward who shone for club and country, and later as a coach and mentor.
His influence extended from grassroots development to the international stage, shaping generations of players and coaches.
A true all-round sportsman, Paramalingam first excelled in athletics, football, and cricket before becoming a Malaysian hockey icon.
He represented Selangor for 15 years and Malaysia from 1956 to 1968, achieving the pinnacle of his playing career at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he emerged as one of the national team’s top scorers.
He later returned to the Olympics as Malaysia’s head coach at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, and in 1989 earned the rare distinction of coaching the Asian All-Stars – the only Malaysian to have the honour.
Selangor Hockey Association vice-president P. Kuganeson, noting that Paramalingam himself once held the position, called him “an icon whose influence reached far beyond the hockey field”.
“We mourn the loss of a visionary, mentor and role model whose name will forever be synonymous with Malaysian hockey,” Kuganeson said, adding that many believe he richly deserved a Datukship for his contributions to the nation.
“His lifelong commitment to nurturing talent, especially through the development programme he built at Stadium Hockey Pandamaran, Klang, produced numerous national players.
“He also mentored future national coaches such as Yahya Atan, Sarjit Singh and Stephen Van Huizen, ensuring his philosophy lived on.”
One of his former national players, I. Vickneswaran, said Paramlingam was like a second father to him.
“I would not be where I am today if it were not for him,” said Vickneswaran.
“While many ask what can I get out of hockey, Coach Param’s guiding principle was ‘how can I give back to the game?’.
“That inspired my journey to becoming Kuala Lumpur HA president. I was my way of giving something back to the sport.”
In February 2024, 25 ex-national players visited him at his home after learning that he was unwell. A month later, they organised the C. Paramalingam Legends Trophy, a testament to the affection and gratitude they held for him.
“I think we should organise another tournament next year in his honour,” added Vickneswaran.
Former National Sports Council director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz paid an emotional tribute.
“He was the man who gave me my first opportunity as a team doctor in 1991, with the Junior Hockey team, culminating in our involvement at the Junior World Cup in Barcelona 1993,” said Ramlan.
“He was very kind, thoughtful and generous in words and deeds. One of the greatest men I have had the privilege of knowing.
“His achievements speak for themselves. I, among legions of others who had known him, will always keep him alive in our hearts and memories. We shall miss you and everything about you.”
As Malaysia bids farewell to one of its most influential sporting figures, the tributes reflect the depth of love and admiration for a man who gave his life to the game and to the generations he guided.
A pioneer, a mentor, and above all, a father figure, Paramalingam leaves a legacy Malaysian hockey will cherish for decades to come.
Main image: Vickneswaran and Paramalingam with the president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, in 2023.
