From Malaysia to Leeds, Karim Adli’s story so far
Born and raised in Malaysia, Adli made the bold decision to move abroad to pursue his final year of law studies. Alongside his academic ambitions, he brought with him a lifelong love-affair with hockey, which he began playing at the young age of 11.
Having represented Malaysia in regional and national tournaments, hockey has been a cornerstone of his life, offering a balance to the rigours of a law degree and his general life. Adli said: "I play hockey to keep me sane, to get away from all the reading."
When you think about Malaysia, a tropical nation more famous for its beaches and jungles, Ice Hockey definitely doesn't immediately spring to mind. Nonetheless, this winter sport has gained popularity in the nation, and an increasing player and fan base is attempting to establish an identity in the global ice hockey scene.
"I started skating when I was 10 and started playing [ice hockey] when I was 11…I went on to play regional tournaments and then national tournaments for my country, and now I'm here, trying to make the most out of it," Adli said.
Despite his impressive background, adjusting to the hockey scene in his new country posed its own challenges. Joining a new league and finding a sense of belonging took time and perseverance.
However, his determination and love for the game helped him carve out a space where he could thrive. Downplaying the move, Adli added, "in terms of adjusting it wasn't really a big jump, it helped that everyone was super welcoming."
Embracing Leadership as Hockey Club President
Beyond simply just playing the sport, Adli has taken on the significant role of hockey club president. In this capacity, he oversees everything from organising games and training sessions to taking the helm in an administrative capacity.
Drawing on his previous coaching experience in Malaysia, he has brought a depth of understanding to the club's operations.
"The president basically oversees everyone's roles and oversees the whole club in general…I used to coach back in the day so I do have some experience there, so I do try to whatever I can."
Leadership and particularly presidency, however, is not without its complexities. As president, he must balance the expectations of his teammates while maintaining his role as an active player. His ability to connect with the team and foster camaraderie and culture has been crucial in maintaining spirits.
By creating an inclusive and welcoming environment through social events and team-building exercises, he has ensured that the team operates as a cohesive unit, both on and off the field. This is hugely important for a club with several teams competing in several leagues.
"You sort of feel like there's some sort of sense of hierarchy and you can be worried that people might see you as you're not really on their level but that's really not the case for me I always try to relate to everyone else. At end of the day I'm still a player as well and I'm still these guys teammate and they're still my friends."
The Gryphons pride themselves a mixed-gender club that welcomes all abilities and experience, catering to students and staff members at any Leeds based academic institution.
From Division 5 to Division 1 of the BUIHA (the top division of British university ice hockey), Leeds Gryphons Ice Hockey Club has won four divisional and four conference titles since its founding in 2015.
The B team won the title of National Champions in the Non-Checking Division 2 league at the conclusion of the BUIHA Nationals weekend in Sheffield in 2023.
With 600 spectators, the Gryphons hosted the second-most attended Varsity in UoL history in 2020 versus the Manchester Metros billed as 'War of the Roses'.
Adli's involvement in the team is to help grow the team and club in the same way he is trying to grow the sport in his own country.
Challenges and Adaptation in the Game
Adapting to a new country's hockey culture has also required adjustments in his playing style. "I used to play forward now I'm looking to go back into defence," a shift that demands a different skillset and strategic approach.
This transition, while challenging, has allowed him to expand his understanding of the game and grow as a player, and pass this on to his teammates.
A man of many talents
Back in Malaysia Adli works as a freelance model having appeared on the runway from Mercedes Benz Fashion week Kuala Lumpur in 2022 among others.
The benefits of these experiences are apparent on and off the ice week in week out. Modelling requires a level of confidence that Adli exudes and it is passed onto his teammates. Moreover, this venture has helped him develop professionalism and discipline, two qualities imperative for the role he is in.
The balancing act between teamwork and leadership
Adli has demonstrated an outstanding ability to combine his duties as a leader with his own passion in the sport. He tries to provide an example for his teammates through his role as a player and president, encouraging trust and respect among everyone.
His hybrid position necessitates sensitivity, smart time management, and the capacity to transition between leadership and friendship with ease.
By remaining honest and humble, he has created a culture inside the team that appreciates the contributions of all team members. His story serves as evidence of the ability of social support to enable people to overcome obstacles and pursue their ambitions.
Check out my full interview with Karim here:
Born and raised in Malaysia, Adli made the bold decision to move abroad to pursue his final year of law studies. Alongside his academic ambitions, he brought with him a lifelong love-affair with hockey, which he began playing at the young age of 11.
Having represented Malaysia in regional and national tournaments, hockey has been a cornerstone of his life, offering a balance to the rigours of a law degree and his general life. Adli said: "I play hockey to keep me sane, to get away from all the reading."
When you think about Malaysia, a tropical nation more famous for its beaches and jungles, Ice Hockey definitely doesn't immediately spring to mind. Nonetheless, this winter sport has gained popularity in the nation, and an increasing player and fan base is attempting to establish an identity in the global ice hockey scene.
"I started skating when I was 10 and started playing [ice hockey] when I was 11…I went on to play regional tournaments and then national tournaments for my country, and now I'm here, trying to make the most out of it," Adli said.
Despite his impressive background, adjusting to the hockey scene in his new country posed its own challenges. Joining a new league and finding a sense of belonging took time and perseverance.
However, his determination and love for the game helped him carve out a space where he could thrive. Downplaying the move, Adli added, "in terms of adjusting it wasn't really a big jump, it helped that everyone was super welcoming."
Embracing Leadership as Hockey Club President
Beyond simply just playing the sport, Adli has taken on the significant role of hockey club president. In this capacity, he oversees everything from organising games and training sessions to taking the helm in an administrative capacity.
Drawing on his previous coaching experience in Malaysia, he has brought a depth of understanding to the club's operations.
"The president basically oversees everyone's roles and oversees the whole club in general…I used to coach back in the day so I do have some experience there, so I do try to whatever I can."
Leadership and particularly presidency, however, is not without its complexities. As president, he must balance the expectations of his teammates while maintaining his role as an active player. His ability to connect with the team and foster camaraderie and culture has been crucial in maintaining spirits.
By creating an inclusive and welcoming environment through social events and team-building exercises, he has ensured that the team operates as a cohesive unit, both on and off the field. This is hugely important for a club with several teams competing in several leagues.
"You sort of feel like there's some sort of sense of hierarchy and you can be worried that people might see you as you're not really on their level but that's really not the case for me I always try to relate to everyone else. At end of the day I'm still a player as well and I'm still these guys teammate and they're still my friends."
The Gryphons pride themselves a mixed-gender club that welcomes all abilities and experience, catering to students and staff members at any Leeds based academic institution.
From Division 5 to Division 1 of the BUIHA (the top division of British university ice hockey), Leeds Gryphons Ice Hockey Club has won four divisional and four conference titles since its founding in 2015.
The B team won the title of National Champions in the Non-Checking Division 2 league at the conclusion of the BUIHA Nationals weekend in Sheffield in 2023.
With 600 spectators, the Gryphons hosted the second-most attended Varsity in UoL history in 2020 versus the Manchester Metros billed as 'War of the Roses'.
Adli's involvement in the team is to help grow the team and club in the same way he is trying to grow the sport in his own country.
Challenges and Adaptation in the Game
Adapting to a new country's hockey culture has also required adjustments in his playing style. "I used to play forward now I'm looking to go back into defence," a shift that demands a different skillset and strategic approach.
This transition, while challenging, has allowed him to expand his understanding of the game and grow as a player, and pass this on to his teammates.
A man of many talents
Back in Malaysia Adli works as a freelance model having appeared on the runway from Mercedes Benz Fashion week Kuala Lumpur in 2022 among others.
The benefits of these experiences are apparent on and off the ice week in week out. Modelling requires a level of confidence that Adli exudes and it is passed onto his teammates. Moreover, this venture has helped him develop professionalism and discipline, two qualities imperative for the role he is in.
The balancing act between teamwork and leadership
Adli has demonstrated an outstanding ability to combine his duties as a leader with his own passion in the sport. He tries to provide an example for his teammates through his role as a player and president, encouraging trust and respect among everyone.
His hybrid position necessitates sensitivity, smart time management, and the capacity to transition between leadership and friendship with ease.
By remaining honest and humble, he has created a culture inside the team that appreciates the contributions of all team members. His story serves as evidence of the ability of social support to enable people to overcome obstacles and pursue their ambitions.
Check out my full interview with Karim here: