WITH the qualification system for Olympic hockey set by the FIH primarily favouring European teams over the past decade, it’s never easy for Asian teams to break through the ranks and secure a spot at the world’s biggest multisport event.
In fact, it has been a challenge for Malaysia to qualify for the Olympics over the past 24 years, since the Speedy Tigers’ last appearance at the Sydney edition in 2000 where the team captained by Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi qualified under the top-three Asian team quota system.
However, life is about overcoming the challenges placed before us and reaching our final destination. India exemplified this by emerging as the only representative from Asia in the Olympics, eventually winning the bronze medal.
Known as the “Men in Blue” by hockey fans across the globe, it was also not easy for the Indian side to qualify for the games, as they had to overcome rising Asian powerhouses Japan in the Hangzhou Asian Games final last year.
With the success of our Asian compatriots in Paris and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) shifting its focus to qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games under the guidance of head coach Sarjit Singh, the question arises: will we be able to accomplish the mission and finally appear in the Olympics after such a long absence?
So, what can our Speedy Tigers learn from India’s triumph to reignite their Olympic dreams?
1. Cultivating a winning mentality and unyielding determination
India’s performance at the Paris Olympics was a masterclass in resilience and a refusal to surrender. Their tenacity was evident in every match, particularly against formidable teams like Germany, Belgium and Great Britain. The Men in Blue attacked and defended with unrelenting intensity, demonstrating an indomitable spirit that kept them competitive until the final whistle.
As someone who has been covering hockey for many years, I find this attitude to be missing from our Speedy Tigers. We tend to start strong in the opening two quarters but lose stamina in the last two, which often allows our opponents to capitalise on our weakened play.
To elevate our game to the next level, we must adopt the same relentless mindset displayed by the Indian team. Our players need to cultivate the stamina and mental toughness to maintain peak performance throughout all four quarters.
2. Prioritising physical strength for modern hockey
Modern hockey demands more than just speed; it requires physical strength, particularly upper-body power, to withstand the game’s intensity. Recognising this, Indian players have increased their muscle mass to match European standards. For instance, Harmanpreet Singh, was reported to have a muscle mass of 14%, which contributed to his ability to outmanoeuvre defenders and score 10 goals in Paris.
Our national team, known for their technical skills and speed, must now focus on enhancing their physical capabilities. By building muscle and improving overall strength, our players will be better equipped to face the physical challenges posed by top-tier opponents. This shift in focus could be the key to transforming our team’s performance and strength against opponents who have a larger physical stature such as the Germans, Belgians and Australians.
3. The need for an experienced performance director
While coach Sarjit is diligently assembling a formidable team, he needs the support of a high-calibre performance director to guide our national squad strategically.
When I had the opportunity to speak to India national head coach Craig Fulton, he mentioned that playing in the FIH Pro League last season significantly helped his team prepare for the Paris Olympics. This success was largely due to the advice he received from his performance and technical director, Herman Kruis, who has the experience of leading the Netherlands to eight consecutive European Cup titles.
With master tactician Kim Sang-ryul previously linked to the performance director role for the Speedy Tigers, I believe the MHC should reconsider bringing the South Korean on board, especially given his role as a consultant for China’s women’s national team, which made history by winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics.
Beyond just consulting with Sarjit on which tournaments to focus on, Sang-ryul’s appointment would also help shape the mentality of our young team, with an average age of 24 years, instilling a “warrior mentality” before they step onto the turf.
In one of my recent meetings with the 69-year-old in Kuala Lumpur, Sang-ryul expressed his willingness to take on this role, provided the MHC approaches him. Bringing such a seasoned expert on board could be the game changer we need.
The road ahead
India’s success at the Paris Olympics was an eye-opener for Malaysia. It highlights the areas we must focus on if we are to break our 24-year Olympic drought.
The journey to Los Angeles 2028 will require more than just talent – it will demand grit, strategic thinking and a relentless pursuit of excellence. It’s time for the MHC, coach Sarjit and all stakeholders to come together and implement these crucial lessons from the Indians.
The time to act is now if we hope for the Speedy Tigers to break the Olympic drought cycle. – August 21, 2024