From a ball boy to a Speedy Tiger. Local boy, Mohd Ashran Hamsani is living the dream at the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Ipoh.
The 24 year who hails from Krian, Perak has always harboured dreams of playing in the prestigious invitational Sultan Azlan Shah Cup since his school days at the Anderson School in Ipoh.
This famed school, designated as Perak’s hockey academy has produced many talents for the national team and was Ashran’s port of call before moving up to the junior and senior ranks.
“When I was small, I always dreamt of playing at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. At that time, I was a ball boy for this tournament, coming from the Anderson School.
“Now I am finally playing in this tournament and I am happy to be playing back in my home state in front of my family and friends,” said Ashran, who made his debut for the national team in indoor hockey at the KL Sea Games 2017.
Ashran marked his debut in the tournament with a goal through a penalty corner in the opening match against Poland but was left feeling the pain after suffering an injury to his left calf at the end of the match.
The injury was not serious and he managed to make an appearance against Japan and showed why he one to watch for the future.
With one more match to play in the round robin, against Canada today, Ashran who is equally at home in midfield and attack, will hope to get more chances to make an impact in view of the upcoming FIH Series Finals on the 26th April to 4th May which serves as the Olympic qualification round.
Malaysia will only need a draw today to secure a 3rd/4th place playoff tomorrow either against the same opponents or Japan if results go their way.
“If given the opportunity, I hope to be featured in the game against Canada. This is my chance to prove myself to the coach for the upcoming FIH Series Finals.
“Even though, we didn’t make it to the final, we still hope to end the tournament on a high note,” he added.
Fixtures
Day 5
29th March (Today)
India vs Poland, 4.05 pm
Korea vs Japan, 6.05 pm
Malaysia vs Canada, 8.35 pm
