KUALA LUMPUR – Muhammad Adam Ashraf is poised to be a rising star in the coming years, says national junior hockey coach I. Vikneswaran, citing the 18-year-old’s development under legendary drag-flicker Sohail Abbas.
The Tumpat-born player has been named in the 20-man squad for the Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC), set to take place from October 19 to 26.
Adam, who has regularly trained under national senior coach Sarjit Singh for tournaments like the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup and Nations Cup, made history last year as Malaysia’s youngest player at the FIH Men’s Junior World Cup, where he became the team’s top scorer with three goals—one each against Belgium, New Zealand, and Chile.
Speaking to Scoop, Vikneswaran said that Adam’s penalty corner techniques have improved with Abbas’s guidance, believing he will be a complete player for the national team after the SOJC.
Abbas, widely regarded as one of the best drag flickers of all time, has been serving as an assistant coach under a one-year contract with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), with the option to extend.
The three-time Pakistani Olympian, who holds the FIH world record of 348 goals in 311 international matches, is also helping to prepare Malaysia’s junior squads for the 2024 Junior Asia Cup in Muscat, Oman, in November.
“He has been helping our players with their penalty corner techniques, and many of them have benefited from it, especially our drag flickers. Abbas has also taught and provided insights on how to finish in the box.
“We are currently in our tournament phase, and I personally believe that all the players can learn more from Abbas after the tournament with more extensive training.
“Players like Adam will definitely improve over the next year under the guidance of Abbas, and I can guarantee that his performance will get better.
“For the tournament, I will stick to my word. I don’t want to pressure the boys with targets, but I can assure you that they will play their best and fight till the end against formidable opponents,” said Vikneswaran when contacted.
Apart from Malaysia, India, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Great Britain will also compete in the 12th edition of the SOJC.
Malaysia finished seventh out of eight teams in last year’s SOJC. — October 12, 2024