KUALA LUMPUR – National hockey player Naaveennash Panicker is realistic about the game time he will get at the coming Nations Cup.
The 18-year-old Brickfields-born forward was selected by head coach Sarjit Singh for the 20-player squad for the Nations Cup following his successful campaign in the Malaysia Hockey League with TNB Thunderbolts, where he scored four goals for the league winners.
The versatile player then underwent an assessment, playing in two friendlies against New Zealand and South Korea prior to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
However, he did not make it into the final 18-player list for the invitational tournament, in which Malaysia finished fourth.
Speaking to Scoop, Naaveennash said he was aware of the stiff competition for first-team minutes and was ready to impress Sarjit with his performances.
“I’m very aware that I won’t be getting many minutes in the national team because of the competitiveness in the team, and I know that I need to fight for my place.
“But I have full confidence in myself and my abilities, and I will work hard to impress coach Sarjit in the team.
“I have been yearning for this moment for many years in my professional career,” said the teenage forward, who vowed not to disappoint Sarjit.
“Whether I get to play one or two games in the Nations Cup, I promise to give my 100% and go all out to help my country do well in the tournament.”
The Speedy Tigers are grouped with Canada, France and Pakistan in Pool B for the Nations Cup.
Malaysia will be taking on Pakistan in their first game on May 31. – May 21, 2024