KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has confirmed that there will be no restrictions on Speedy Tigers players chosen to play in leagues abroad.
This was addressed following concerns raised by national head coach Sarjit Singh regarding potential conflicts with national team preparations for the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT).
Sarjit had previously told Scoop that competing abroad might hinder the national team’s preparations for the ACT.
Monchengladbach, a team in the Feldhockey Bundesliga, showed interest in recruiting a Malaysian forward to strengthen their squad.
Sarjit also said that 10 to 12 Speedy Tigers players were on the radar of clubs in the Hockey India League.
Recently, Sarjit revealed that Monchengladbach were interested in signing two more Malaysian players.
Speaking to Scoop, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that a discussion would soon take place within the coaching committee regarding the release of players for international leagues.
“Sarjit has just arrived in Kuala Lumpur, and I have yet to meet him to discuss his concerns, but we will meet very soon to talk about this.
“I don’t see any reason to restrict the players from going abroad. If Sarjit believes that sending the players abroad will benefit the team, why not?
“We have made it clear from the start that we will support coach Sarjit with everything he needs for the team, and we will continue to do so.
“We will definitely address this matter soon and will collectively decide which players will be sent to play in leagues abroad,” said Subahan when contacted.
This year’s ACT is scheduled to take place in Inner Mongolia, China, from September 8 to 17.
For the record, the Saari brothers – Faizal and Fitri – recently made waves in the Bangladesh Hockey League with Mohammedan SC in March.
The Speedy Tigers, with an average age of 25 years, recently played Belgium B, Germany, the Netherlands, Monchengladbach and India on their European tour from June 30 to July 14.
The team’s European Tour was funded by the National Sports Council.
The Speedy Tigers currently rank 12th in the world with 1,910.30 points. – July 21, 2024