Former national junior team captain Muhammad Faris Harizan, and Nurinsafi Sporting’s Nur Rahull Hriskesa Thaitchana Muruthi are among 20 players named for the Nations Cup.
The second edition of the Nations Cup will be held from May 31-June 9 in the city of Gniezno, Poland.
Malaysia is drawn in Group B alongside France, Pakistan and Canada while Group A consists of Austria, South Korea, New Zealand, Poland and South Africa. The Malaysians finished in fourth place in the inaugural 2022 edition.
The Speedy Tigers will play Pakistan in their opening match on May 31 followed by contests against France (June 2) and the Koreans on June 5.
Dato’ Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak, the Chairman of the National Team Management Committee and manager of the senior national team, said seven players who did not feature in the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh will travel to Poland.
The team will be led by Muhammad Marhan Jalil. The seven players are goalkeeper Muhamad Zaimi Mat Deris – a regular in the senior national team, defenders Muhamad Faris Harizan, who led the national junior’s side to the 2023 FIH Junior World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Muhamad Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin and Muhammad Arif Syafie Ishak; midfielder Syawal Abd Razak and forwards Naaveennash Panicker Thevendran, and Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi.
Dato Najmi, however, added that five players – Muhamad Kamarulzaman, Muhamad Arif, Syawal Razak, Naaveennash, and Nur Rahull may earn their first international cap if selected to play.
As in the previous edition of the Nations Cup, only 18 players will be registered for the tournament while two others are on standby in case of injuries.
Dato’ Najmi said, “What is required by MHC from all 20 players is that they give their full commitment to the Nations Cup with a good performance. To those who will be in the team for the first time, do not be nervous. It is a big responsibility and we want you to give your best.”
“The challenge in this tournament will be enormous, especially for the five players who will earn their first international cap if selected to play against the backdrop of some of the finest hockey teams in the world. It is time the players proved themselves with a courageous performance.
“All of them, including the senior players, will continue to play big roles in the national team. With this in mind, they should display a high level of performance. It is MHC’s aspiration that the players have a good understanding of the coaches,” he added.
Speedy Tigers head coach Sarjit Singh said encountering the team in high-pressure matches will help them improve, and identify areas that need improvement.
He expects the team to give a high level of commitment and performance in Poland.
“They must take the challenge in their stride. This will be our second tournament after the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. It will be a new experience for some players who will see action for the first time. There is nothing to be nervous about. Just play your normal game,” said Sarjit.
“There is no pressure on the players and the team. Our programme is one of long term and everyone knows that we are preparing for the 2026 Asian Games. What is required of the team is a decent good performance in the pool matches and qualify for the semifinal stage,” added Sarjit.
He elaborated that the coaching team will not only analyse the performance of every player, but also look at their potential in assimilating well into the team.
The squad of 20 players:
Goalkeepers: Muhamad Hafizuddin Othman, Muhammad Zaimi Mat Deris.
Defenders: Muhamad Marhan Jalil (Capt), Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan, Muhamad Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Muhamad Najib Hassan, Muhamad Faris Harizan, Muhamad Kamarulzaman Kamarudin, Muhammad Arif Syafie Ishak.
Midfielders: Mohd Fitri Saari, Nik Muhamad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Syawal Abdul Razak.
Forwards: Faizal Saari, Muhamad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Muhajir Rauf, Naaveennash Panicker Thevendran, Nur Rahull Hriskesa Thaitchana Muruthi.
