KUALA LUMPUR – If given sufficient time, Sarjit Singh and Sohail Abbas can transform Malaysia into a powerhouse in Asian hockey, says Sreejesh Parattu Raveendran.
The 36-year-old Indian legend, regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, made his remark when asked about the current form of the Speedy Tigers.
Under Sarjit’s guidance, the team has yet to showcase its full potential in the last three major tournaments they participated in: the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the Nations Cup, and the Asian Champions Trophy.
To strengthen Sarjit’s side in the hope of winning gold at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) recently enlisted Abbas, one of the best drag flickers of all time, as an assistant coach. Abbas has signed a one-year contract with the option to extend.
The three-time Pakistani Olympian, who holds the FIH world record of 348 goals in 311 international matches, is also helping to prepare Malaysia’s junior squads for the 2024 Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, in November.
Speaking to Scoop from Bengaluru, Sreejesh, who won an Olympic bronze medal with India, said that Sarjit is one of the most respected coaches in the game and has the ability to nurture the next generation of players over the coming year.
Sreejesh added that, despite the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan, he sees Abbas as a great sportsman who can significantly improve the Speedy Tigers’ set-piece abilities.
“The Malaysian team has a lot of potential, and I actually enjoy watching them play. Their game is always fast-paced, and it’s not easy for opponents to overcome them. I have great respect for all the players from my playing days.
“Coach Sarjit is highly respected in my country, and I have full confidence that he will be able to lead his young side to success within the next year. But it’s not only about coach Sarjit; I have a lot of respect for Abbas as well. His discipline and dedication to the game are something the young Malaysian players can learn from.
“People need to understand that both Sarjit and Abbas have only just started working with the team, and the process will take time. I hope Malaysian hockey fans will believe in their vision and rally behind the team.
“At the same time, the players must work with both coaches and be receptive to their advice and constructive criticism if they want to excel. If Sarjit and Abbas are given enough time, they can turn Malaysia into a hockey powerhouse in Asia,” said Sreejesh when contacted.
Sreejesh, who led the junior Indian hockey team to a third-place finish in the recently concluded Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC), also mentioned that Malaysia’s junior team, under the guidance of I. Vikneswaran, has the potential to transition effectively into the senior squad.
For the record, Vikneswaran’s side finished last in the six-nation SoJC tournament, which concluded last month. – November 8, 2024