Hockey: Marhan and Fitri urge youthful Tigers to step up in Nations Cup opener
National stalwarts Marhan Jalil and Fitri Saari have thrown down the gauntlet, calling on the Speedy Tigers' young hockey players to rise to the occasion and show their worth, especially on home turf at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
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The Sun
40 minutes ago
- The Sun
Speedy Tigers fitness at 80 percent for Asia Cup 2025
THE national hockey squad's fitness level stands at 80 percent ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup in Bihar, India. Head coach Sarjit Singh confirmed the team's condition during a squad announcement press conference. He stated that fitness improvements followed almost seven weeks of intensive training at the National Sports Institute. Sarjit Singh explained, 'I mean fitness we have done with the NSI routine.' He added, 'The chamber run (drill for explosive bursts) was good for about six to seven weeks.' The coach acknowledged, 'So we are prepared.' He noted, 'But other teams also are well prepared too.' Sarjit Singh observed, 'As we know South Korea, China and Japan have fitness levels that are really different.' He expressed confidence by stating, 'But we are getting there.' The coach revealed, '(This is) Because after the Nations Cup (in June), we had a few injuries.' He explained, 'So we need to recover from that as well.' Sarjit Singh concluded, 'Hence, we are moving slowly in the right direction.' Malaysia finds itself in Group B alongside South Korea, Bangladesh and Taiwan. The national squad will depart for India this Friday according to the coach. They will play two friendly matches against the host country and China. These matches will serve as preparation before their tournament campaign begins. The Speedy Tigers finished as runners-up in the 2022 edition of the tournament. They aim to secure a slot for the 2026 World Cup through this competition. This requires emerging as champions of the 2025 Asian Cup according to qualification rules. Sarjit Singh highlighted additional tournament significance beyond the title hunt. He emphasized the event as a platform to maintain Malaysia's Asian ranking position. The coach specifically mentioned maintaining number two status in FIH rankings. The Asia Cup runs from August 29 to September 7 in Bihar, India. - Bernama
New Straits Times
4 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Coach says Speedy Tigers are only 80 per cent fit for Asia Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia may be the continent's No. 2 ranked hockey team, but the Speedy Tigers head into the Asia Cup only "80 per cent fit". Coach Sarjit Singh admitted on Wednesday that his players were still short of their best condition ahead of the tournament in Bihar, India, starting Aug 29. The Asia Cup winners will book a ticket to next year's World Cup, but Malaysia's preparations have been hit by concerns over fitness. "Being ranked world No. 12 and Asia's No. 2 behind India (No. 8), our target is to reach the final," said Sarjit in Bukit Jalil. Featured Videos "The National Sports Institute revealed that after seven weeks of chamber training, the players are only 80 per cent fit. Teams like South Korea, Japan and China will be fitter as they are used to military-style training. "But with more than a week left before our first match, I expect the players to improve." Malaysia are in Group B alongside South Korea (world No. 13), Bangladesh (No. 29) and Taiwan (No. 38). They open against Bangladesh on Aug 29, followed by defending champions South Korea the next day and Taiwan on Sept 1. The top two will advance to the Super Four. Sarjit's side will also play warm-up games against India (Aug 25) and China (Aug 27) in Bihar after managing just two friendlies against the national juniors in Kuala Lumpur. "Those matches will help us iron out shortcomings," he said. The Speedy Tigers are expected to reach the Super Four, but Sarjit admitted it will be a stern test. "We will likely face India, Korea and Japan or China. My players must avoid defensive mistakes and remain consistent. I also hope injuries don't come into play," he said. Malaysia have come under fire for their poor results since Sarjit took charge in March last year. They finished fourth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, seventh in the Nations Cup in Poland, sixth in the Asian Champions Trophy in China, and sixth again at the Nations Cup in Bukit Jalil in June, despite being set a semi-final target. Meanwhile, Group A comprises India, world No. 18 Japan, world No. 23 China and unranked Kazakhstan. The Malaysian squad: Goalkeepers: Hafizuddin Othman, Rafaizul Saini; Defenders: Faiz Helmi Jali, Marhan Jalil (captain), Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan, Amirul Hamizan Azahar, Fariz Harizan, Arif Syafie Ishak; Midfielders: Andywalfian Jeffrynus, Fitri Saari, Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shafiq Hassan, Alfarico Lance Liau, Shellow Silverius;
New Straits Times
01-08-2025
- New Straits Times
Josue admits he was surprised by Malaysia's withdrawal
KUALA LUMPUR: National player Paulo Josue has admitted he was surprised by Malaysia's withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (Cafa) Nations Cup. The 36-year-old Brazil-born Josue felt the Nations Cup would have provided valuable experience for Malaysia's players as the tournament features strong teams like Iran and Uzbekistan. KL City midfielder Josue has earned 26 caps and scored nine goals since his Malaysia debut in March 2023. However, he believes that the replacement matches for Malaysia following the Nations Cup withdrawal, are still worthwhile. Harimau Malaya will play friendlies against Palestine and Singapore in September in Kuala Lumpur. "It's Fifa days, so we need to play with someone. I think Singapore has a strong team. Palestine is also a top country. It's interesting for us to play them and to keep testing ourselves," said Josue.
