Territory Government Backs Stingers Return to Malaysian Hockey League

Hockey Northern Territory (Hockey NT) is proud to announce that the Northern Territory Government (NTG) has committed $200,000 to strengthen Darwin’s capacity to host international hockey events and support the Territory Stingers’ return to the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) in 2026.

The NTG’s $150,000 investment will help the Stingers’ men’s and women’s teams take their place once again in the prestigious MHL, marking the second year of a four-year agreement to compete in the league, offering Territory athletes the chance to compete on an international stage while raising the profile of the sport and the region.

An additional $50,000 will fund vital lighting upgrades at the MWT Hockey Centre, enabling Darwin to host its first-ever MHL home games in 2026, alongside this year’s Festival of Hockey and the highly anticipated 2025 Oceania Cup, bringing Australia and New Zealand’s national teams to Top End fans.

The Stingers are scheduled to host their first-ever home games in the MHL early next year, with competition dates still to be confirmed. Hockey NT is working closely with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to ensure the 2026 fixturing for the January/February competition supports the Stingers’ ambition to play finals.

The young Stingers squads gained invaluable experience from their inaugural MHL season earlier this year, and with the added firepower of New Zealand Black Sticks imports through the Northern Gateway Initiative (NGI), the Territory sides will be well-positioned for success in 2026.

Hockey NT CEO Jason Butcher welcomed the government’s support as a major boost for the Territory:

“This investment is about more than hockey, it’s about creating aspiration and opportunity for people right across the Territory. Sport has the power to inspire, to connect communities, and to open doors for our young people. We’re proud to play a role in that vision and grateful to the NT Government for backing a future where the Territory continues to grow, lead, and belong on the national and international stage.”

The return of the Stingers to the MHL has also been welcomed by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation. 

MHC President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal said: “We are delighted to welcome the Territory Stingers back to the Malaysian Hockey League in 2026. Their inclusion adds an exciting international dimension to our competition and strengthens the growing relationship between Malaysian and Northern Territory hockey. We look forward to hosting the Stingers and continuing to build this valuable partnership.”

Minister for People, Sport and Culture Jinson Charls said the Finocchiaro CLP Government is proud to be backing Territory athletes. 

“Through this investment, we’re not only supporting our athletes to compete internationally, but we’re also bringing top-tier hockey to our own backyard, inspiring the next generation, and creating real opportunities for our community.

“While the lighting upgrades will enable MHL home games, it will also benefit the 2025 Oceania Cup and our local clubs and players,” said Mr Charls. 

In a reflection of the community impact, homegrown Stingers talent Billy Fahy, currently recovering from injury but set to return in time for the MHL, spoke about the significance of the Stingers movement and the government’s support:

“Being part of the Stingers has changed everything for so many of us. The opportunities we’ve been given have lifted the whole hockey community. It’s brilliant seeing little kids at junior hockey wearing Stingers singlets, we hope to make sure they get their chance and this is here for them in the future. It’s incredible to have the government backing this vision for the Territory.”

This funding supports the Stingers’ return to international competition while ensuring the Territory is ready to host high-performance hockey at home, bringing economic benefits, tourism, and a sense of pride to the community across the Top End. We look forward to welcoming the community and our international partners as we bring the world to Darwin.

The Stingers’ return to the MHL will carry the campaign theme #Back2Malaysia, a celebration of resilience, opportunity, and the Territory’s place on the world stage.

Media Contact:

Elle Richardson

Media and Communications

Hockey NT

Elle.richardson@hockeynt.asn.au