Malaysia will gear up, perhaps for the toughest challenge in the Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland, against predominant rivals Pakistan on Friday (May 31) with the same kind of zest, passion and energy displayed at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (SAS Cup) three weeks ago.
The Speedy Tigers and Green Shirts have a lot to gain in this all-Asian Gool B epic showdown opening match. A victory over Pakistan will boost the Malaysians’ confidence going into the remaining pool matches against France, ranked world No 10 (June 2), and world No 20 Canada (June 5), and vice versa.
The other matches on Day 1 will be between France and Canada, South Africa against Austria before the final game of the day between New Zealand and Poland.
The team coached by Sarjit Singh aims to leave no stone unturned against the Pakistanis in this eagerly anticipated showdown. The Green Shirts have won two of the three previous contests against the Malaysians.
In the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, Pakistan won 5-2 in the fifth and sixth-placed matches, held the Malaysians to a 3-3 draw in the Olympics Qualifiers for 2024 Paris in Oman, and of recent carved a come-from-behind 5-4 victory in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Ranked 13 in the world, the Malaysians are drawn in Group B alongside world No. 9 France, Pakistan (No 16), and Canada (20) while in Group A are world No 11 New Zealand, South Korea (12), defending champions South Africa (14), Austria (19) and hosts Poland (28).
Like all other Asian hockey teams, the new-look Speedy Tigers are embarking on a journey to rebuild the team for the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games in Japan.
Sarjit has shortlisted 18 out of the 20 players that travelled to Poland for the Nations Cup, leaving two players on standby.
“It will be a very challenging match for us against Pakistan,” said Sarjit. “We have made some changes to the side with the inclusion of four youngsters and it would be an incredible feeling if the team could produce the same kind of commanding performance as they did against Pakistan in the pool match,” said Sarjit.
Expressing the significance of the Nations Cup, Sarjit stated: “The tournament is a litmus test for most of the players, especially the youngsters in the team. I hope they will take this opportunity and give a good performance. Our preparations for the 2026 Asian Games are a long-term programme and we have a lot of work to do,” he added.
The team is captained by Muhammad Marhan Jalil, and includes goalkeepers Muhamad Hafizuddin Othman and Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris.
“Faizal Saari has recovered from a light knee injury and played in the friendly match against Poland. Although we lost 2-0 in the match that was reduced to three quarters, the players are getting into the momentum slowly,” he added.
Making their grand entrance into the Nations Cup are Nur Rahull Hriskesa Thaitchana Muruthi, Syawal Razak, Muhammad Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin – all of whom hope to earn their first international caps, and Muhamad Faris Harizan, who led the national junior’s side to the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Forward Naaveennash Panicker Thevendran and defender Muhammad Arif Syafie Ishak are placed on standby.
The Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland will be the Malaysians’ second international tournament after a thrilling performance in front of home fans at the 30th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The 2023–24 Men’s FIH Hockey Nations Cup is the annual qualification tournament for the Men’s FIH Pro League organised by the International Hockey Federation.
The squad of 18 players for the Nations Cup:
Goalkeepers: Muhammad Hafizuddin Othman, Muhamad Zaimi Mat Deris.
Defenders: Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil (Capt), Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan, Muhammad Amirul Hamizan Azahar, Muhammad Najib Abu Hassan, Muhamad Faris Harizan, Muhamad Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin.
Midfielders: Mohd Fitri Saari, Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Syawal Abdul Razak.
Forwards: Faizal Saari, Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Muhajir Abdu Rauf, Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi.
Standby: Naaveennash Panicker Thevendran and defender Muhammad Arif Syafie Ishak.