Debut delight as youth hockey team show promise with Asia Cup bronze
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia's next generation of hockey talent made a strong statement by finishing third place at the Under-18 Asia Cup in China on Sunday (July 13).
Malaysia finished on the podium in their debut outing after defeating Bangladesh 5-2 in the third-fourth placing fixture at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre.
The newly assembled youth team struck first when Hisyammudin Abdul Rani scored a field goal six minutes in, but the scoreline was quickly evened by Bangladesh's Md Mehedi four minutes later.
The action resumed in the third quarter when Rahuul Fazrien Mohd Nazrien scored a field goal in the 41st minute, but that was quickly replied by Jony Islam just seconds later.
All even in the last quarter, Rahuul once again stepped up and put Malaysia ahead in the 49th minute, which was followed up by Abdul Hamzah Yahkip the next minute with another field goal.
With no hope left for Bangladesh to catch up, Saiful Syahfy Mohd Baddruddin sealed the win by making it five for Malaysia in stoppage time.
Head coach Sufian Mohamad said the fresh team's achievement in their maiden campaign shows the country's development of the sport is heading in the right direction.
"I'm proud of what the team have achieved. Even though our target was to reach the semis, we took it upon ourselves to get the best result we could," he said.
"I hope the team's performance will serve as a launching pad for these youngsters to go far in their future."
"The team played well and has made the coaching staff proud. They showed the willingness to learn, discipline, and ability to analyse the game."
Malaysia fell short of making the final after Pakistan beat them 4-3 in the penalty shootouts following a 3-3 draw in regulation time of the semi-final.
Sufian added that the players have shown potential, and hopes they will continue in the right path and lead them to the national senior team.
"This is just the start for this team, a very good start in fact. It's a positive indication for the future of Malaysian hockey.
"I hope these players continue to train and one day make it to the senior team.
"They have the winning mentality, and when the time comes, I'm sure we will be celebrating victories," he added.
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