KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) wants the 46 players who have been called up for the training camp to seize the opportunity and give their all to earn a spot on the national team.
“We’ve had good and bad results recently, so it has been a rollercoaster ride. You have been given the opportunity to train for the Malaysian team, which is not something that comes easily.
“My advice to these players is to seize this opportunity and fight for a place on the national team,” said MHC deputy president Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak.
He said that the players should not be making excuses, as this is a golden opportunity handed to them.
“If you reject it, I doubt we will call you again. We are tired of players making excuses. We will only focus on those who want to fight for their places and the country.
“This allows the coaches to identify and evaluate the best players for the top 30, of which only 18 can register for a tournament.
“This is also to keep players on their toes and get rid of the comfortable feeling that breeds complacency, which players have,” said Najmi.
This is the first time the MHC has called up such a large number of players for selection, as the usual limit is 25 players.
“We believe that this approach will motivate the players to consistently prove themselves in the squad,” he added.
Today, national team head coach Sarjit Singh named 46 players, scouted from the recently concluded Malaysia Hockey League, to join a selection camp from March 19 to 31.
On April 1, they will be whittled down to 30 to begin preparation for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Nations Cup in May. – March 12, 2024