Exploring gender differences in athlete satisfaction: a case study of Pahang state hockey players

In recent years, athlete satisfaction has emerged as a critical component in promoting optimal performance and overall well-being in sports. Understanding the variables that contribute to athletes' satisfaction is essential, particularly in the context of youth and state-level athletes. This study investigated athlete satisfaction among Pahang State hockey players to enhance understanding of the factors influencing athletes’ well-being. The study utilized a quantitative research design, employing the Athlete Satisfaction Questionnaire (ASQ) to assess satisfaction levels among 46 Pahang State hockey players aged 18–23. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze overall satisfaction, while an independent samples t-test examined gender-based differences, ensuring a comprehensive data analysis The descriptive statistics revealed a notably high level of satisfaction among the participants. The independent samples ttest disclosed no statistically significant gender-based differences in athlete satisfaction (p > 0.05). Thus, the authors recommend prioritizing the maintenance of robust task-involving features within the social environment to enhance athlete satisfaction and address fundamental needs conducive to overall well-being. Furthermore, the necessity of avoiding downplayed should be emphasized. This study contributed valuable insights for optimizing athlete satisfaction, with implications for enhancing athletes’ holistic development in sports. It is recommended for future researchers to expand the scope of this study by incorporating a larger sample size from different regions or sports disciplines to gain a more comprehensive understanding of athlete satisfaction.