The first Pesta Hoki was held on the 16th and 17th of November 1973. A total of 36 teams took part in the solitary category which was the Men’s Open. A year later, the Women’s Open category was introduced.

In year 1987, Nestle Product Sdn. Bhd. emerged as the main sponsor of this tournament. The name changed to the National Milo Hockey Carnival and the total cash prize offered was RM 5500.

The New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd then became the co-sponsor for this prestigious event, resulting in another change to the name; Penang International MILO-NST Hockey Carnival. The total cash prize increased to RM7500. 

Four new awards were introduced, which were, Player of the Match, The Most Promising Player, The Best Goalkeeper and The Top Scorer. These new awards were moral boosts for the participant and certainly made their aim and spirit stronger.

The junior category for teenagers was introduced in 1991. This was a chance for young players to show their talent in hockey. The junior teams played for the Penang International Junior MILO Trophies.

In the year 1992, the name of this tournament was changed once again to the MILO-NST USM-Penang Hockey Carnival. The corporate logo and the official song ‘Simply The Best’ were also brought in for the first time and in year 2001, new categories were introduced; Girls under-12 and Institute of Higher Learning.

Pesta Hoki is now renowned as the largest sixes and sevens aside hockey event organized by an educational institution. ‘To Strive For Excellence’, is the philosophy adopted by Pesta Hoki. The organizing committee of 1997 received the national award ‘Anugerah Kepimpinan Sukan’ for their excellent leadership from the National Sports Council. The year 1998 brought recognition, as Pesta Hoki was named as the biggest 6 aside hockey tournament in Malaysia by the Malaysia Book of Records .In 2007 the recognition was repeated for the fourth time in the Malaysia Book of Records with 410 teams and for the 1st time in the history of Pesta Hoki, we were listed as the Longest Non-Stop Hockey Tournament in Malaysia by Malaysian Book of Records in 2009.

Over the years, participation from teams all over Malaysia and from Asia Pacific countries such as Sri Lanka, Australia and Singapore has really promoted healthy sportsmanship and international friendship which is beyond age, ethnic, religion and political belief.

After 40 years of glorious success, Pesta Hoki USM-Penang International is proud to present you the 47th edition. Pesta Hoki USM-Penang International has a proven track record of 40 years of excellence in hockey and it is still going strong.

This yearly hockey tournament attracts hockey enthusiasts from all over Malaysia and its regional countries to meet in one common ground - USM. A total of 416 teams are taking part in the tournament in various categories. The Premier League, Classic Men’s Open and Classic Women’s Open are the highlights of our event. As for the identification of new talents, Pesta Hoki always maintains junior categories at Under-12, Under-15, Under-18 levels. As a Higher education institution, we also invite teams from fellow institutions and we have international teams from Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Taiwan, and Pakistan to name a few.

As of this year onwards, all the games in Pesta Hoki will be played on well turfed grass fields as well. This directive is in line with our objective of promoting the original form of field hockey which was played on grass.

Pesta Hoki USM-Penang International 2024, with the commitment and dedicated efforts of around 150 USM undergraduates, the advisors from Sports and Recreation Centre are proud to invite you to come witness the 47th edition and experience the "free flow" of hockey.