KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey icon Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi believes that the national men’s team can overcome their obstacles by securing a spot at the Paris Olympics this year.
The former Olympian, who is also the team manager for the Speedy Tigers, hopes the team will approach the Olympic qualifiers in Oman one game at a time.
“The Olympic qualifiers are indeed going to be a tough journey for us, but anything can happen on the turf, and who knows, we might create history by qualifying for the biggest multi-sport event in the world.
“Our main focus for now should be the group fixtures, as the main challenges begin from there onwards.
“Once we get out of the group stage, we will have to work 10 times harder to play better in the crossover matches.
“But for now, we want to take it game by game and work towards reaching our goal,” said Mirnawan during a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium today.
Malaysia men’s head coach Arul Selvaraj has selected 18 players for the Olympic qualifiers in Muscat from January 13 to 21.
Unfortunately, veteran attacker Faizal Saari, who has scored 176 goals in 226 appearances for the Speedy Tigers since making his senior debut in 2009, is sidelined due to a lingering gout injury incurred during the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
At the same time, the women’s national hockey team will also share the same burden as the men’s team, as the Speedy Tigresses hope to reach the Olympic stage for the first time in history.
Head coach Nasihin Nubli said his players were well-prepared to face their opponents in the qualifiers scheduled from January 13 to 21 in Valencia, Spain.
“The team is in good form, and my players have done their homework very well and are well-prepared to face any opponents.
“We understand that we are going to play under immense pressure, as the other teams in our group are superior to us in terms of exposure and experienced players.
“But I have made several tactical changes in the team, and the players have been performing well in training. My girls can adapt to the system.
“We have valuable experience from playing in the Asian Games and the Asian Champions Trophy, and we aim to use that experience in the Olympic qualifiers and prove ourselves,” said Nasihin.
A total of 18 players have been selected to join the qualifying squad in Valencia, with midfielder Kirandeep Kaur making a comeback to the team after completing her studies.
As a final preparation before flying off to Valencia on Sunday, Nasihin’s charges will play a friendly against New Zealand at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Arul’s charges will play two friendies against Canada on January 12 and Chile on January 13 in Oman.
Grouped with Great Britain, Pakistan and China in Pool A, Arul’s Speedy Tigers currently hold the 12th position in the world rankings with 1,881.87 points.
The Speedy Tigresses are placed in Group B with the hosts, Spain, Canada and Great Britain. – January 5, 2024