KUALA LUMPUR: Old La Sallians Association of Klang (Olak)-PKT can look forward to better times in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL) with the help of Datuk Michael Tio.

Michael, who is PKT Logistics group chief executive and managing director, will contribute RM500,000 in education scholarships to the players this year.

Michael, who had dinner with the players on Wednesday, said that his ultimate goal is help make Olak-PKT a powerhouse team in the Under-19 league.

“Olak were once the top team and I want to make them tops again by giving RM500,000 in education scholarships to all the 22 players,” said Michael.

“We will also provide lodging for outstation players as we have players from Penang, Perak and Johor. The RM500,000 is solely for scholarships. There will be additional sponsorship for the Olak team competing in next year’s MJHL,” added Michael.

“By giving the scholarships, we will have loyal players in the team willing to give their best in the league.

“It is a win-win situation as they can now play hockey as well as obtain a paper qualification,” said Michael.

Olak, who made their debut in the MJHL in 1995, won the Division One title in 1997 and they were double champions in 1998 and 1999. They also won the overall title in 2000.

Defender and skipper Mohd Madzli Ikmar (pic) and penalty corner specialist Mohd Amin Rahim are the two Olak players in the current senior national team.

Olak did not feature in the MJHL in 2010 because of financial constraints. However, they made a return last year – thanks to Michael and PKT Logistics, who sponsored RM30,000 in cash and RM20,000 in kind to Olak.

Olak team manager Joseph De Silva thanked Michael for his generous contribution.

“By providing scholarships, there will be a lot of players who will be keen to play for us next year. We can look forward to better times,” said Joseph.

Olak’s challenge in this year’s MJHL is over as they finished third in Group B of Division Two.