National men’s senior hockey team coach Sarjit Singh said today Malaysian hockey will continue to move forward despite the showing by the Speedy Tigers in the just concluded Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China.
Speaking at a press conference organized by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, the two-time Olympian, said: “While our performance did not meet our expectations, this moment serves as a catalyst for growth and improvement.”
“We recognize the areas where we fell short, and we are committed to addressing these challenges head-on. It’s clear that the Indian hockey team was head and shoulders above the rest. Their performance showcased exceptional skill that set them apart from their competitors.”
“It’s our aim to close the gap with the Indian team within the next two years, leading to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan,” he added.
Sarjit was joined at the press conference by MHC deputy President Dato Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak (Chairman of the National Team Management Committee), Dato Manjit Singh Abdullah (Chairman Coaching Committee) and national team captain Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil).
He stressed that in the ACT, there was little to choose from among the other teams. Apart from the match against India (1-8), all other matches were head to toe in which the Speedy Tigers should have come out with a victory.
“Malaysia played some good hockey throughout the tournament, demonstrating moments that highlighted the potential within the squad. However, lapses of concentration ultimately contributed to our defeats. These moments of oversights, whether in defensive positioning or communication, allowed opponents to capitalize and score crucial goals,” said Sarjit.
Sarjit was appointed head coach on March 3, replacing Arul Selvaraj, had earlier said that he would need 18 months to develop the team that would also require to play in at least 40 international matches a year.
The Speedy Tigers have so far played 24 international matches this year – Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (6); Nations Cup (5); Europe Tour (7) and Asian Champions Trophy (6).
“From the very beginning I had said that we are building this team around three senior players – captain Marhan Jalil, Faizal Saari, who earned his 302nd international cap in the 5-6th placing match against Japan, and Fitri Saari. The rest do not have much exposure and we are giving them every opportunity to gain experience,” said Sarjit.
The squad is also supported by several youngsters such as 18-year-old Azimuddin Syakir Kamarudin, who made his international debut in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and 2023 Junior World Cup captain Faris Harizan also featured in the Nations Cup in Poland, tour of Europe and the Asian Champions Trophy.
Hafizuddin Othman, Malaysia’s first choice custodian since 2020, sustained a right shoulder dislocation (posterior labrum tear) during the friendly match against New Zealand two days before the start of the Nations Cup, has since been recuperating. He did not join the team to Europe and the ACT.
In the Nations Cup, the Speedy Tigers relied on goalkeeper Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris throughout the tournament. Zaimi was also the custodian in the ACT with debutant Adrian Andy Albert his assistant.
While the team’s attacking play showed promise, Sarjit added that addressing these defensive lapses will be essential for future success. The team has vast opportunities to improve, especially in key areas that can significantly enhance their overall performance.
“We are going to focus on developing a stronger defensive performance as this will be crucial; this includes improving communication and positioning to prevent lapses that have led to crucial goals against us, especially in the last moments of matches. Furthermore, enhancing teamwork cohesiveness will be essential, as a united team can better execute strategies and support one another on the field.
“I have the confidence of the team and with the help of my assistants we will continue working on each player’s strengths and weaknesses, especially in handling ‘big moments’.” He said.