KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey player Naaveennash Panicker is raring to team up with his “partner in crime”, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, for the coming Nations Cup scheduled to take place in Poland.
The 18-year-old Brickfields-born forward formed a formidable partnership with Azimuddin in this year’s Malaysia Hockey League for TNB Thunderbolts.
Both players contributed with their goals and assists, helping the team emerge as champions.
They were then selected by head coach Sarjit Singh for the revamped 30-player national team.
Azimuddin represented the Speedy Tigers in the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. He scored two goals and helped Malaysia finish fourth in the invitational tournament.
Meanwhile, Naaveennash underwent assessment by playing in two friendlies against New Zealand and South Korea prior to the tournament.
Speaking to Scoop, Naaveennash expressed his hopes of maintaining his strong chemistry with his best friend Azimuddin in this year’s Nations Cup, aiming to score goals for the Speedy Tigers.
“I have known Azimuddin for many years and have grown up with him.
“We have played in many tournaments together at school, university, and national level, and we have a very good bond and chemistry.
“I know how he plays and he knows how I play so we can easily click on the turf. There’s no better feeling in life than playing for the national team with my best friend.
“Even during our training sessions for both TNB Thunderbolts and the national team, we learn from each other’s attributes and always focus on how we can improve every day.
“I can play with everyone in the national team, but I have a strong connection with Azimuddin. I’m confident I can score goals for Malaysia in the Nations Cup with his assists,” said Naaveennash when contacted.
Aside from Naaveennash and Azimuddin, the other players selected in Sarjit’s 20-strong squad for the Nations Cup are Hafizuddin Othman, Zaimi Mat Deris, Marhan Jalil, Syed Mohamad Syafiq Syed Cholan, Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Najib Abu Hassan, Faris Harizan, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin, Arif Syafie Ishak, Fitri Saari, Nik Muhammad Aiman Nik, Shello Silverius, Syawal Abd Razak, Faizal Saari, Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Muhajir Abdul Rauf, and Nur Rahull Hrsikesa Thaitchana Muruthi.
The Speedy Tigers are grouped with Canada, France, and Pakistan in Pool B for the Nations Cup. – May 21, 2024