Malaysia’s national hockey team aims for World Cup qualification by reaching the final in Egypt, with preparations focused on defence and managing Ramadan challenges

THE national men’s hockey team, the Speedy Tigers, have a singular mission at the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt.

Head coach Sarjit Singh stated the team’s only target is to secure a place in the final, which guarantees automatic qualification for the World Cup.

“We should be in the final because we have the players and they have been working hard,” Sarjit said at a press conference.

He emphasised that reaching the final avoids the pressure of a third-place playoff, which coincides with other qualifiers ending on March 8.

Sarjit acknowledged the squad has shown steady improvement, particularly in fitness levels.

However, he identified defence and finishing as key areas requiring further progress before the tournament.

“Our defence has become tighter and we have improved a lot over the past two years,” he noted.

“We also need to take our chances and learn how to kill the game as early as possible by scoring goals.”

Team manager Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak highlighted an additional challenge, as the qualifiers fall during the fasting month of Ramadan.

He expressed confidence that the Muslim-majority squad would perform at their best despite the conditions.

“We have implemented various programmes for the players to ensure they remain hydrated and energised,” Ahmad Najmi said.

Malaysia is drawn in Group B alongside Pakistan, China and Austria for the tournament running from March 1 to 8.

The Speedy Tigers will begin their campaign against Austria on March 1, followed by matches against Pakistan and China.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the finalists earning a spot at the World Cup.

 The Sun Malaysia