KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has confirmed that the Speedy Tigers will be playing a series of friendly matches against Germany, Belgium, Poland, and India right after their Nations Cup campaign.
The Nations Cup, scheduled to kick off in Gniezno, Poland from May 31 to June 9, will feature nine teams participating in two pools comprising Austria, South Korea, New Zealand, South Africa, Canada, France, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Poland.
20 players were chosen by head coach Sarjit Singh from a pool of 30 for his revamped side, which recently finished fourth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The gaffer will announce his final 18-player squad for the Nations Cup after the Speedy Tigers’ friendly matches against world number 10 New Zealand on May 27 and world number 14 South Africa on May 29.
The series of friendly matches is arranged by MHC under Sarjit’s instructions, who is assigned to form a formidable team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and to lead the team to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Speaking to Scoop from Vancouver, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that the series of friendlies would be an alternative for the national team, which could not compete in the FIH Pro League due to budget constraints.
He also said that the governing body would not worry about the results of the friendly matches and is ready to provide Sarjit with all the necessities for his young charges to rub shoulders with the best teams in the world.
“Sarjit is a coach who always prioritises quality opponents as he wants his players to compete against the best teams in the world frequently.
“At the same time, he understands that for us to play in the Pro League, it is going to be expensive.
“Hence, the string of friendly matches being arranged is by far the best preparation we have made for the national team.
“The boys will be heading to Europe for three weeks after the Nations Cup, where they will take on Germany, Belgium, and Poland in a European tour. India will be there as well, and we will also be facing the world number five side.
“These teams will be preparing for this year’s Paris Olympics, and it will be a great learning experience for us.
“Additionally, once they return from Europe, we will send the boys on a tour to India to compete against some of the best teams in the Indian Hockey League.
“Sarjit has fantastic connections with all the top coaches around the world.
“What matters most to us is the experience gained from these matches that the boys can apply in the World Cup qualifiers and the Asian Games. MHC will do whatever is necessary to support Sarjit’s goals,” said Subahan when contacted.
The Speedy Tigers are grouped with Canada, France, and Pakistan in Pool B in the Nations Cup.
Malaysia will take on Pakistan in their first game on May 31. – May 24, 2024