KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is set to send national players to specialised programmes in Europe to address their recurring fitness issues.
Fitness problems have been evident in head coach Sarjit Singh’s squad, particularly in their performance during their last two tournaments, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Nations Cup.
The Speedy Tigers, with an average age of 24, scored a total of 35 goals and conceded 20 across both tournaments.
On a positive note, their goalscoring record in their second participation in the Nations Cup increased by 47%, as they managed to score only eight goals in the 2022 edition, where they finished as semi-finalists.
Speaking exclusively to Scoop, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the specialised fitness programmes would help the national team players elevate their gameplay in future to be on par with some of the best teams in the world.
“We need to fix this issue as it has been happening for a very long time. But it is evident in the way our team has been performing, where they tend to concede in the last few quarters of their games.
“These fitness programmes will be held in Europe when we leave for our European tour in Germany next month. By training with some of the best coaches in Europe under the guidance of Sarjit, I believe the team will definitely improve.
“The lessons we learn from the European fitness programmes will benefit our team in the long term, as our coaches back home will be able to replicate the training.
“The players will need some time, but I can guarantee that in the years to come, with more tournament exposure and programmes, they will definitely improve,” said Subahan when met.
The Speedy Tigers will depart for Berlin next month and spend about three weeks playing Olympics-bound teams such as Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.
It is understood that the trip will cost more than RM1 million.
The series of friendlies has been arranged by MHC upon request from head coach Sarjit Singh, who is tasked with forming a formidable team for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and to ensure the team qualify for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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. – June 15, 2024