KUALA LUMPUR – What is it like for the national men’s hockey squad, the Speedy Tigers, without the presence of their prolific striker Faizal Saari?
“It feels incomplete,” said midfielder Fitri Saari.
As the team prepare for the qualification campaign for the 2024 Paris Olympics in Muscat, Oman, from January 15 to 21, Fitri admitted that the team’s attacking and finishing prowess would be impacted without his brother, Bernama reported.
“I can’t quite put it into words. His absence is felt, but I accept the coach’s decision,” he said during a training session ahead of the qualification campaign at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil recently.
Last week, the team’s head coach, Arul Selvaraj, announced Faizal would not be part of the 18-player line-up due to injuries and a lingering gout issue sustained during the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.
The veteran attacker boasts 176 goals in 226 appearances since his senior debut in 2009.
Fitri, who had previously battled a knee injury during Asian Games preparations, has fully recovered and is eager to deliver his best performance in Oman.
“I am ready 100%, and I hope we can make history in Oman because we haven’t participated in the Olympic Games for a long time. This is our do-or-die mission and the last chance to qualify for the Olympics,” he added.
The last time the national hockey squad qualified for the Olympics was for the 2000 Sydney Games.
Meanwhile, team captain Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil said the solid combinations of the current team – with almost all key players previously reported injured making their return – is now back with the Speedy Tigers.
“All the players understand their roles and responsibilities. Those who were absent during the Asian Games in Hangzhou and the key players who were injured have returned, strengthening the team for this campaign,” he said.
In Oman, Malaysia find themselves in Group A alongside China, Great Britain and Pakistan, while Group B comprises Germany, New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
The Olympic qualifiers in Muscat are the final opportunity for teams to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics, with the top three teams earning a coveted place in the prestigious global event. – January 10, 2024