KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) believes that its men’s indoor hockey team will be able to defend its title at the ongoing Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan.
Malaysia, drawn with the home team Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Oman in Pool B, have been in scintillating form, scoring a total of 21 goals in the tournament.
Under the tutelage of Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, the world number 15 side qualified for the final for the second edition in a row after drawing 3-3 against world number two Iran in the first-to-fifth classification match yesterday.
Malaysia will be taking on Iran in the finals later today.
By qualifying for the Asia Cup final, Malaysia automatically secured their spot for the 2025 Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, planned to take place in Croatia.
Speaking to Scoop from Vancouver, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said expressed his delight with the national team’s performance in the tournament despite the governing body’s financial hurdles.
“I’m really happy with how the team is performing despite all the challenges that we are facing.
“It’s not easy for us to get desirable results against some of the best teams in the tournament that have been investing millions into their indoor hockey teams.
“Our funds are limited, and our coaches and players don’t get a hefty allowance from our side. We only provide them with their meal allowances, like the Hockey Five series.
“However, they have always given 100% due to their passion for the game.
“Even before they flew to Kazakhstan for the tournament, I told all the players that they have to prove their worthiness to the world by having a winning mentality.
“The team has loads of potential, and it’s very evident with their performances.
“Since we have now qualified for the final, I believe the boys will give everything to defend and bring back the title,” said Subahan when contacted.
At the same time, Subahan also said that he hopes for more support from the National Sports Council (NSC) to shift their focus to allocating more funds for the development of indoor hockey on par with field hockey.
“Indoor hockey is a growing sport, and I can confidently say that we will do better than what we have already been doing if we receive more allocation for indoor hockey from NSC and the government.
“Hence, I believe winning this year’s tournament will be an eye-opener for the government to fund us for indoor hockey, as the potential is there.
“If we can deliver in field hockey and hockey 5s, we can definitely also deliver in indoor hockey with more funding from the government,” Subahan added.
Malaysia won the 2022 Men’s Indoor Hockey Asia Cup by defeating Iran 3-2 on penalties after drawing 4-4 in regulation time. – May 25, 2024