'Nations Cup failure a wake-up call for Speedy Tigers', says Olympian

New Straits Times

22-06-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The national men's hockey team once again failed to impress — this time at the Nations Cup — as the Speedy Tigers must now fix glaring flaws ahead of a series of major assignments.
The next few months will be crucial for Sarjit Singh 's side, with the Asia Cup in August in India up first.
The winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
This will be followed by the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November, the Sea Games in Thailand in December, and the World Cup Qualifiers in February, which Malaysia are likely to host.
Sarjit, a former national captain, has vowed to quit as national coach if his team fail to qualify for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands next year.
At the Nations Cup, which ended on Sunday in Bukit Jalil, world No. 12 Malaysia finished a dismal sixth, failing to meet even the semi-final target and losing 2-1 to world No. 16 Wales in the classification match.
Across five matches, the Tigers scored 13 goals but conceded 12.
They managed just four goals from 15 penalty corners, all netted by Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan.
In contrast, they gave away 33 penalty corners, including 11 against Wales.
The team's performances were riddled with inconsistency and poor decision-making.
In the group stage, they clawed back from 2-0 down to draw 3-3 with world No. 15 Pakistan, blew a 3-0 lead in a 4-3 defeat to eventual champions New Zealand and beat world No. 18 Japan 2-1.
In the classification match, they overcame world No. 14 South Africa 4-2.
Former international Maninderjit Singh said the Nations Cup served as a wake-up call.
"This is a second-tier tournament. Malaysia should have finished on the podium. The fact that we didn't says everything about where we stand right now," said the Olympian.
"It's not about the coaches. It's the players. We keep saying the same things year after year — the players just cannot deliver when it matters.
"They've not been able to cross the line since 2015. Coaches have come and gone, but the problems remain the same. There's no game management, and mistakes are repeated."
Maninderjit added that the quality gap within the squad is stark.
"We only have about six players who can genuinely perform at the international level. The rest are nowhere near. Our Junior World Cup graduates — Fariz Harizan, Mughni Kamal, Andywalfian Jeffrynus, Alfarico Liau and Rafaizul Saini — made no impact at all."
He warned that unless Malaysia raise their game dramatically, they stand no chance of winning the Asia Cup in India from Aug 27-Sept 7.
In contrast, Nations Cup finalists Pakistan and New Zealand impressed despite limited preparation.
Pakistan coach Tahir Zaman revealed his squad didn't have any international matches ahead of the tournament.
"We created a development squad and played simulation matches back home," he said.
"For me, it's about connection and motivation. The players respect me and listen — that's something I value. Our coaching philosophy is about making players understand the honour of wearing the national jersey and recognising their own potential."
New Zealand coach Greg Nicol praised his players' adaptability.
"Our boys are quick learners. Even with limited tests under our belt, we come together fast and prepare well."
Results
Final: New Zealand 6 Pakistan 2
3rd placing: France 3 South Korea 3 (France win 3-2 on shootout)
5th placing: Wales 2 Malaysia 1
7th placing: Japan 2 S. Africa 1