logo
Speedy Tigers toughen up to push for honours at Nations Cup

Speedy Tigers toughen up to push for honours at Nations Cup

The Star03-06-2025
Selangor men's hockey team in semifinals of MHC Hockey 5s.-KAMARUL ARIFFIN/ TheStar
PETALING JAYA: The Speedy Tigers are setting a clear goal ahead of the FIH Nations Cup, which will be held from June 15-21 in Kuala Lumpur. They want to reach the semi-finals and then go all out.
Having finished fourth in South Africa in 2022 and seventh in Gniezmo, Poland, last year, coach Sarjit Singh believes this time, with a stronger, more battle-hardened squad, the team are ready to make a serious push for honours.
"We are going with 20 players, and we've built well this past year with 17 matches in 2024 and 11 already this year," said Sarjit.
"The team are improving, especially after the tours in Australia and South Korea. It's fair to say we must qualify for the semi-finals. That's the minimum."
The coach is counting on his forwards - Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Shello Silverius, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Muhajir Abdu Rauf and Akhimullah Anuar Esook - to convert more chances, especially from field goals, and has identified the need for additional penalty corner flickers to improve scoring efficiency.
"Our forwards are creating chances, but we need to take more when it comes to penalty corners - 50 percent conversion would help us a lot. Syed (Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan) is one of our top penalty corner takers. If he performs, I hope he can break into the top four," he said.
"We have scored 16 goals, 11 from field and five from penalty corners. We have to do better when it comes to defending penalty corners. In South Korea, we conceded 25 penalty corners, letting in five. We've to stop that."
Malaysia's first game in the Nations Cup will be against Pakistan at the National Hockey Stadium on June 15, and Sarjit knows Malaysia have not had the best of results against them in recent years.
"We drew 4-4 in the last Nations Cup and lost 4-5 to them in the Azlan Shah Cup. They have quality players like Abdul Rana, Hannan Shahid, and penalty corner flicker Sufyan Khan. They have come back stronger. We have to check these players closely."
Sarjit also highlighted that teams like New Zealand, France, and South Africa bring Pro League-level intensity to the competition.
"These are quality sides, and the matches will be tough. But with coaches like Sohail (Abbas) helping our keepers and us studying the opponent flickers via video, we're preparing well."
NATIONS CUP SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Hafizuddin Othman and Rafaizul Mohd Saini.
Defenders: Marhan Jalil (captain), Syed Mohd Syafiq Syed Cholan, Faiz Helmi Jali, Amirul Hamizan Azahar, Faris Harizan, Andywalfian Jeffrynus, Arif Syafie Ishak and Syarmann Mat Tee.
Midfielders: Fitri Saari, Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shafiq Hassan, Mughni Mohd Kamal and Alfarico Lance Liau Jr.
Strikers: Shello Silverius, Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Muhajir Abdu Rauf and Akhimullah Anuar Esook.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

‘I was not invited': Anwar says he won't join KL protest urging him to quit
‘I was not invited': Anwar says he won't join KL protest urging him to quit

Malay Mail

time13 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

‘I was not invited': Anwar says he won't join KL protest urging him to quit

PUTRAJAYA, July 26 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reportedly said he will not be attending the 'Turun Anwar' protest in Kuala Lumpur today. According to The Star, Anwar made the remark after delivering his closing address at the 50th edition of the Prime Ministers' Cup Debate Competition in Putrajaya. 'Well, I was not invited,' he reportedly told reporters when asked about the rally. Thousands of demonstrators gathered near Sogo and Pertama Complex in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon for the 'Turun Anwar' protest. The crowd, which included Perikatan Nasional leaders and supporters dressed predominantly in black, is expected to march to Dataran Merdeka Protesters gather during the 'Turun Anwar' rally at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur July 26, 2025. — Picture by Firdaus Latif. Authorities allowed the rally to proceed following a recent Federal Court ruling that struck down mandatory notification requirements under the Peaceful Assembly Act. Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed across the city, with acting KL police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad warning that any provocation or unlawful behaviour will be met with firm action. Anwar had earlier said the government welcomes criticism and peaceful assembly, but urged protesters to act responsibly. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has reminded civil servants that taking part in the rally could lead to disciplinary action.

Police expect 5,000 to march from Masjid Negara to Dataran Merdeka for ‘Turun Anwar' rally
Police expect 5,000 to march from Masjid Negara to Dataran Merdeka for ‘Turun Anwar' rally

Malay Mail

time13 minutes ago

  • Malay Mail

Police expect 5,000 to march from Masjid Negara to Dataran Merdeka for ‘Turun Anwar' rally

KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 — About 5,000 protesters are expected to march to Dataran Merdeka from Masjid Negara for the Turun Anwar protest. According to police, an estimated 5,000 will gather at Masjid Negara following prayers at the mosque. Another 3,000 to 4,000 are expected to march from the Sogo shopping mall, and around 500 more from Masjid Jamek. Several PAS and Bersatu leaders are scheduled to deliver speeches at Dataran Merdeka, including Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad. Over 2,000 police officers have been deployed across the city, with acting KL police chief Datuk Mohamed Usuf Jan Mohamad warning that any provocation or unlawful behaviour will be met with firm action. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said the government welcomes criticism and peaceful assembly, but urged protesters to act responsibly. Meanwhile, Chief Secretary to the Government Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar has reminded civil servants that taking part in the rally could lead to disciplinary action.

Arif Aiman ready for more responsibilities after Spanish stint
Arif Aiman ready for more responsibilities after Spanish stint

New Straits Times

time43 minutes ago

  • New Straits Times

Arif Aiman ready for more responsibilities after Spanish stint

KUALA LUMPUR: Winger Arif Aiman Hanapi is ready to step up on all fronts this season, both for club and country, following a transformative pre-season stint in Spain. Appointed as Puma Football's latest ambassador today, the Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) star said the training camp in Europe had given him renewed belief. "The (M-League) season is about to start, and I've prepared intensely. I spent pre-season in Spain and gained a lot of experience and confidence from it," said the 22-year-old. "I learned a lot facing strong and competitive European teams. Preparation is always the key to my success, not just for every season, but for every moment ahead." Arif, who captained the JDT team in Spain, said the armband had only inspired him to grow further. "It was an honour, and I'm proud of the trust given to me. I didn't see it as pressure, but as an opportunity to showcase myself as a player and as a captain. I've learned a lot from it." On the presence of naturalised heritage players in the national team, Arif said: "The arrival of new players and heritage players helps me to become a better player. These are guys who've played in top leagues like Turkey and Portugal, and I'm learning from them." He also addressed the growing debate among fans over Harimau Malaya's recent withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association Nations Cup in favour of friendlies against Singapore and Palestine on Sept 4 and 8 respectively. "As a player, I don't focus on the outside noise. I'm just concentrating on what's ahead of me now," he said.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store