KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia must secure six points from their opening two matches if they are to keep their World Cup hopes firmly on track, national hockey head coach Sarjit Singh said ahead of next month’s qualifiers in Egypt.
Speaking to Scoop, Sarjit made it clear that his immediate priority is a strong start when the Speedy Tigers begin their campaign from March 1–7, with a top-three finish required to qualify for the World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands from August 14–30.
“We need to collect six points from the first two games. If we get six points, we are in a strong position,” he said.
World No. 13 Malaysia have been drawn in Group B alongside world No. 21 Austria, world No. 14 Pakistan and world No. 23 China.
They open against Austria on March 1, face Pakistan the following day, and conclude their group fixtures against China on March 4.
Sarjit cautioned that none of the matches in Cairo would be straightforward, despite Malaysia’s previous positive results against some of their opponents.
“Playing China is not easy because, on their day, they can surprise many teams. We were surprised by them at the Asia Champions Trophy in China before,” he said.
Malaysia, however, defeated China 2–0 and 4–1 at the Asia Cup in Chennai last year — results Sarjit hopes his side can replicate.
“None of the games will be easy, but we need to win,” he added.
Preparation has focused heavily on tightening the defensive structure following concerns over recent performances.
Malaysia completed a five-match tour of Australia last month as part of their build-up, with Sarjit expressing satisfaction over improvements at the back.
“We have tightened up our defence. Our defence is playing much better now,” he said, adding that a more disciplined backline would allow the goalkeeper to “keep us in the game”.
Expectations surrounding the team have risen after the Malaysian Hockey Confederation brought in South African coach Brendon Carolan last month to sharpen both defence and attack.
Sarjit has named four players from last year’s Junior World Cup squad in his 21-man list — defenders Andywalfian Jeffrynus and Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, midfielder Adam Ashraf Johari, and forward Danish Aiman Khairul Anuar — signalling a blend of youth and experience.
“With Andy coming in after the Junior World Cup, he is a very good player,” he said, noting that Malaysia’s midfield and forward units remain among their strengths.
“Our midfield has always been good, and our forwards always score. Now we just need our defence to hold firm. There is no reason why we should not play in the finals.”
Despite criticism since taking charge, Sarjit maintained a confident outlook, insisting that the team’s performance in Egypt would be the ultimate measure.
“We have to qualify and be in the World Cup. That’s it,” he said.
“I am very positive. We must stay positive. I know we will qualify.”
It was previously reported that the 63-year-old Olympian had openly stated he would step down as head coach of the Speedy Tigers if he failed to guide Malaysia to qualification for this year’s World Cup. — February 19, 2026