KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey head coach Sarjit Singh is ready to step down if the team does not improve in the next 18 months under his guidance.
The 61-year-old commented after his team’s disappointing campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), where they finished last in the six-team tournament.
Before the ACT, the team finished fourth in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in May and seventh in the Nations Cup in June.
Due to the team’s poor form, the Speedy Tigers have faced heavy criticism from fans, with many urging Sarjit to step down from his role.
Speaking to Scoop, Sarjit said he has been doing his best with the resources he has and needs support from all parties to achieve his goals with the national team.
“I’m a man of my word, and I’m not offering excuses. I’m focused on my mission to mould these players and make them better.
“I also need support from all parties to achieve my goal. I understand my responsibilities, and if the team doesn’t progress in the next 14 to18 months, no one will need to tell me – I will step down.
“I’m aware we had the worst finish in the history of the ACT competition, but I’m doing my best with what I have. The team is still young and need this kind of exposure to improve in the coming years.
“It’s simple – I see this as part of the learning process. I want these young boys to experience the intensity of competitive hockey. It’s better for us to fall now rather than struggle later.
“I just urge everyone, especially the fans, to rally behind me and trust the process as we continue improving each time we play against top teams. As a coach, I can see the players progressing,” Sarjit said when contacted.
Meanwhile, Sarjit added that he has not lost the dressing room, emphasising that his players are aligned with his objectives and vision.
“The players are united and they trust the process. They’re still young, and I’m working hard to give each of them equal opportunities.
“My mission is to ensure they each make at least 200 to 300 appearances for the national team under my guidance, and I’ll continue to give them more game time,” Sarjit added.
In the ACT, Malaysia managed just one win from six matches, scoring 17 goals but conceding 25, failing to meet the Malaysian Hockey Confederation’s (MHC) top-four target.
Their most humiliating defeat came at the hands of India – an 8-1 drubbing, marking their worst defeat in 36 encounters with the world number five side since the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.
His main target is to build a formidable team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and lead the Speedy Tigers to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. – September 18, 2024