The Malaysian Tigress will be led by 10 national junior team players (Young Tigress) for the upcoming 8th edition of the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 scheduled in Rajgir, Bihar, from November 11 to 20.
In a statement released by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation today, four Young Tigress namely Zawiatul Akma Hartomo (defender), Nur Aisyah Che Musa (midfielder), forwards Nurathirah Fitriah Syamsul Adzuanizam and Nur Iman Adawiyah Mohd Suhaimi are expected to earn their first international caps in Bihar should they take to the field.
The six other national juniors are Anith Humairah Baharudin, Siti Nur Irdina Mohd Nor, Thibatharshini James, Nur Shamine Azureen Mohammad Badusha, Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhairy and Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir.
Juliani Mohamad Din, who has 204 international caps, will captain the Malaysian team.
The Malaysian Tigress went on a 12-day playing tour of Wales from 28 July-11 Aug in preparation for the Women’s Asian Champions Trophy.
Team manager Rogayah Mohamad said she expects all the players to give their full commitment to the team in pursuing our goals.
“We have to adopt a realistic and positive approach in every match. Winning is our sole aim. We will be up against strong oppositions and the players must give their best performance throughout the tournament,” said Rogayah.
“In the 2023 ACT edition in Ranchi, we held South Korea to a 1-1 draw. I want the players to give the same kind of commitment and play hard. It is not impossible creating surprises and upsets. However, we must not underestimate Thailand as they are expected to come strongly against us,” she added.
The Tigress, however, will travel to Bihar without Hanis Nadiah Onn, Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli, Siti Nur Arfah Mohd Nor and Siti Zulaikha Husain who are recuperating from injuries.
Malaysian senior women’s team head coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim sais he views the absence of the four players as an opportunity for the younger players to gain experience and exposure from this kind of high-level tournament.
“All four players who are injured featured in the last edition and also played in several international tournaments. I can’t say their absence will not be felt but it gives an opportunity to the youngsters who have worked hard in training and proved their talents. I have full confidence in the 20 players in the squad,” said Nasihin.
“Today’s modern hockey has totally changed. It is played at a fast pace and very competitive. I am confident this mixed team of senior and junior players is an ideal combination in our journey in the ACT,” he added.
The Malaysians will play defending champions India in the opening match on Nov 11. India won the tournament back in 2016 and also reclaimed the title last year in Ranchi, beating Japan in the final.
“It is good that we are meeting India in our first match. It will be litmus test for the players in this kind of high-intensity and challenging match. It will also help the coaches’ asses’ areas that we need to work on for the remaining matches,” said Nasihin.
The 20-member Malaysian Tigress Squad:
Goalkeepers – Siti Zalia Nasir, Fitrinur Amiera Ramlee.
Defenders – Juliani Mohamad Din (Capt), Khairunnisa Ayuni Mohd Sharuddin, Nur Nabila Alia Yussaini, Dayang Nuramirah Abang Mahadini, Anith Humairah Baharudin, Zawiatul Akma Hartomo.
Midfielders – Nurul Fatin Fatiah Azman, Siti Nur Irdina Mohd Nor, Nurmaizatul Hanim Syafi Shiek Fuad, Nur Insyirah Effarizal, Nur Aisyah Che Musa, Thibatharshini James.
Forwards – Nur Shamine Azureen Mohammad Badusha, Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhairy, Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir, Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar, Nurathirah Fitriah Syamsul Adzuanizam, Nur Iman Adawiyah Mohd Suhaimi.
Fixtures (All Malaysian times)
Monday (11 Oct) – India vs Malaysia (10pm).
Tuesday (12 Oct) – China vs Malaysia (7.45pm)
Thursday (14 Oct) – South Korea vs Malaysia (5,30pm)
Saturday (16 Oct) – Malaysia vs Japan (5.30pm)
Sunday (17 Oct) – Malaysia vs Thailand (5.30pm)