KUALA LUMPUR – The Speedy Tigers’ participation in their ongoing European tour has opened the doors for more than 10 players who are now in contention to play in major foreign hockey leagues.
Under the guidance of head coach Sarjit Singh, the national hockey team is currently in Belgium to play three games against the world’s number three side from July 1 to 5.
Sarjit’s squad, with an average age of 25 years, has so far played two matches against Belgium, who fielded their development squad with experience in playing in the FIH Pro League.
Malaysia won their opening game 3-2 on Monday and lost their second game 4-2 yesterday.
The Speedy Tigers will then depart for Berlin and spend the next few weeks playing Olympic-bound teams such as Germany, German hockey clubs, the Netherlands, and India in a friendly series.
It is understood that the trip is funded by the National Sports Council.
Speaking to Scoop from Antwerp, Sarjit revealed that Monchengladbach, competing in the Feldhockey Bundesliga, are currently interested in bringing a Malaysian forward on board to strengthen their team.
Sarjit also said that 10 to 12 of his players are on the radar of clubs that participate in the Hockey India League.
“We will be playing Monchengladbach on July 9, and the club requested about three weeks ago that they were interested in getting a Malaysian forward on board.
“As a coach, I have responded to the club and recommended a few players, and now it’s up to them to decide which player they would like to bring on board.
“There is also a high possibility that 10 to 12 of our young players will play for clubs in India, which will commence on December 15 and run until the end of January next year.
“This will be great for the players, and I’m happy that they are on the radar of these foreign leagues. I’m happy that they will gain a lot of valuable experience and quality game time by rubbing shoulders with some of the best,” said Sarjit when contacted.
At the same time, Sarjit also said that the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC)’s management fully backs the players having a career abroad and supports them in gaining international exposure.
“MHC management, of course, supports me and my coaching team with these initiatives and always has my back.
“For me, it’s simple – the more my players get a chance to play abroad, the happier I will be as it will benefit our entire team as a whole,” Sarjit added.
Sarjit, brought in by MHC on a two-year contract in March, selected 18 players from a pool of 30 for his revamped side.
His team will next participate in the Asian Champions Trophy in Inner Mongolia, China, scheduled for September 8 to 17.
The Speedy Tigers currently rank number 12 in the world with 1,910.30 points. – July 4, 2024