Malaysia created history in the men’s Hockey 5s World Cup by defeating Poland 4-3 to qualify for the final against the Netherlands in Muscat, Oman on Tuesday.
The men’s FIH Hockey5s World Cup final will be played midnight tonight (Jan 31).
“I want to congratulate the men’s hockey team for qualifying for the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup against Netherlands and also our women’s team for a great achievement by finishing in sixth position in the World Hockey 5s held in the same city,” said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President, Dato’ Seri Subahan Kamal, at a press conference this morning.
“MHC have conveyed this good news to YB Hannah Yeoh, (Minister of Youth and Sports) and YB Hannah is equally excited with this development. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, and National Sports Council have always been supportive and we appreciate it very much,” said Subahan.
He added that the national team will be rewarded for reaching the final.
Subahan also commended coach Wallace for taking three months unpaid leave from his job to help prepare the Malaysian team.
“He does not want to accept any salary. Instead, Wallace said he is happy to contribute for the love of the sport,” said Subahan.
Dato’ Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak, Chaiman of the National Team Management Committee, and Dato’ Majid Manjit Abdullah, Chairman of the Coaching Committee,e also attended the press conference today.
Malaysia overcame Trinidad and Tobago 5-4 in the quarterfinals and then a spirited Poland 4-3 in the semi-finals to make their way through to the gold-medal match. The Netherlands ended Oman’s run with a relatively comfortable 5-3 win in the other semi-final.
Malaysia captain, Akhimullah Anuar, who got on the score sheet twice in the semi-final, speaking after the match said: “I have to give credit to the team. We have sacrificed a lot to get here. We did not start the tournament in the best way, with the draw against Oman, but since then have improved every game to get this far.”
Akhimullah, who has scored 10 goals so far in Muscat, added: “It’s not going to be easy against Netherlands in the final as they are the No 1 ranked team in the world. But we are going to fight till the end.”
Coach Wallace Tan said: “Poland came back strongly in the second half but we managed to defend well to win the match. Netherlands are a solid team who have beaten India, Pakistan and other strong teams to reach the final.”
On target for Malaysia against Polland were Arif Syafie Ishak (seventh minute), Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (19th) and Akhimullah Anuar Esook (22nd and 24th minutes).
