Latest news with #AhmadNajmiAbdulRazak
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
FIH Women's Nations Cup 2 : Speedy Tigress target semis
THE national women's hockey squad are aiming to at least reach the semi-finals of the FIH Women's Nations Cup 2 tournament in Poland from June 16 to 22. The Speedy Tigress are drawn in Group A alongside South Africa, Uruguay and host nation Poland. National Team Management Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak said the target is considered realistic as Malaysia are the second strongest team in Group A after South Africa. 'I have discussed with the coaching line-up and we hope to qualify for the semi-finals. This is because the tournament format is the same as the Men's Nations Cup where the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals. 'So our first target is to be in the top two (of Group B). In fact, based on the current rankings, we are the second-best team in Group A. So we hope to do our best at the Nations Cup,' he said. He said this at the national women's hockey team's press conference for the Women's Nations Cup 2 and the launch of the team's latest jersey at the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Headquarters here today. At the press conference, Ahmad Najmi also announced the 20 players who will carry the nation's challenge at the tournament. Meanwhile, head coach Nasihin Nubli said that although Malaysia have a good ranking on paper, he reminded his players to remain focused in every match. According to him, every team in Group A has the potential to reach the semi-finals, especially the host nation. 'Poland are among the teams we cannot underestimate. Although they are ranked 27th, I believe that ranking does not reflect their current performance. 'In fact, during the European League qualifiers, they finished in second place. So I feel their level is quite high,' he said.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Speedy Tigers to tour South Korea ahead of Nations Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers will be testing their mettle before the Nations Cup this June as they are scheduled for a short playing tour in South Korea starting on Sunday until May 19. More interestingly, team manager for the national men's squad Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak said the tour would be fully sponsored by the South Korean Sports Ministry which invited the Malaysian team under head coach Sarjit Singh to visit the country. Ahmad Najmi said the campaign would be the final preparation before the Speedy Tigers get off the blocks for the Nations Cup scheduled to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur from June 15-21. 'We will bring 22 players (to Korea), there are a few changes to the team compared to the one that went on a playing tour of Australia (last month). After South Korea, coach Sarjit will announce the line-up for the Nations Cup,' he said during a press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium here today. Meanwhile, Sarjit hopes that his players will be able to improve on their fitness and discipline since South Korea have the advantage in both elements. '(The) Korea game is more about discipline and fitness, and also in Korea we need to have man-to-man marking which we are very weak at. So this will be a very good test for our boys. For the Nations Cup, we already have enough tournaments for the run-up. Our target is long term,' he said. In April, the Speedy Tigers travelled Down Under to play six friendly matches in the Australian Tour series. The Speedy Tigers are slated to compete in several tournaments this year, including the Asia Cup, which offers an automatic slot to the 2026 FIH men's World Cup (in Netherlands and Belgium) for the winning team. The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in India from Aug 27 to Sept 7. The generosity of South Korea to sponsor Malaysia to cross swords in a short friendly tour is a mutually-profitable experience as Korea are also playing in the June Nations Cup. In addition, the Speedy Tigers will also participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup from Nov 22-29 and the Thailand SEA Games from Dec 9-20.
The Sun
16-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Korea to host whistle-stop tour for Speedy Tigers before Nations Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers will be testing their mettle before the Nations Cup this June as they are scheduled for a short playing tour in South Korea starting on Sunday until May 19. More interestingly, team manager for the national men's squad Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak said the tour would be fully sponsored by the South Korean Sports Ministry which invited the Malaysian team under head coach Sarjit Singh to visit the country. Ahmad Najmi said the campaign would be the final preparation before the Speedy Tigers get off the blocks for the Nations Cup scheduled to be hosted in Kuala Lumpur from June 15-21. 'We will bring 22 players (to Korea), there are a few changes to the team compared to the one that went on a playing tour of Australia (last month). After South Korea, coach Sarjit will announce the line-up for the Nations Cup,' he said during a press conference at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium here today. Meanwhile, Sarjit hopes that his players will be able to improve on their fitness and discipline since South Korea have the advantage in both elements. '(The) Korea game is more about discipline and fitness, and also in Korea we need to have man-to-man marking which we are very weak at. So this will be a very good test for our boys. For the Nations Cup, we already have enough tournaments for the run-up. Our target is long term,' he said. In April, the Speedy Tigers travelled Down Under to play six friendly matches in the Australian Tour series. The Speedy Tigers are slated to compete in several tournaments this year, including the Asia Cup, which offers an automatic slot to the 2026 FIH men's World Cup (in Netherlands and Belgium) for the winning team. The Asia Cup is scheduled to take place in India from Aug 27 to Sept 7. The generosity of South Korea to sponsor Malaysia to cross swords in a short friendly tour is a mutually-profitable experience as Korea are also playing in the June Nations Cup. In addition, the Speedy Tigers will also participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup from Nov 22-29 and the Thailand SEA Games from Dec 9-20.
