SUKMA 2024: Perak Hockey Squad Aim to Repeat History Of 2014

By Muhamad Azhar Tajuddin

IPOH, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Ahmad Fareedz Iqram Mohd Ramzuzzaman was just seven years old when the Perak hockey squad last won the gold medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) ten years ago.

At the SUKMA Perlis 2014, Perak defeated Negeri Sembilan 6-0 in the final held at the Tuanku Syed Putra Sports Complex, Kangar.

Playing in SUKMA has been Ahmad Fareedz Iqram's dream since primary school, and the 17-year-old is determined to help Perak repeat the gold medal achievement in his debut appearance at the 21st Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in Sarawak.

Listed among the 25 players going to Sarawak, the Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Anderson student aims to deliver a quality performance to catch the coach's attention as the team's main striker.

"It's tough to secure a spot, but if we work hard, especially during training, the chances of getting playing time as a main player will be more open," he told Bernama.

In this SUKMA, the Perak hockey squad are strengthened by six national junior players who are the  backbone of the team.

Meanwhile, his schoolmate and teammate, Muhammad Nur Iszlanshah Mohd Isa, 17, said the opportunity to wear the "three-colour battle stripes" jersey will not be wasted, especially to secure a spot in the team's main eleven.

"I, along with two other friends, are the youngest players in the team selected for this SUKMA. It was quite unexpected because the competition to represent Perak was very tough, but maybe this is what we call 'luck,'" he said.

The midfielder said that the coaching staff is currently focused on preparing the players, especially in terms of mental and physical conditioning.

"We train every day except Sundays, with two sessions. In the morning, we go to the gym to strengthen our bodies, and in the afternoon, we train on the field," he said.

The team's assistant coach Mohd Azmi Yahya said the target for Perak to win a gold medal at this event looks very promising based on the quality of the players.

"I am confident that the blend of players this time will bring luck, and we hope the capabilities and quality of the national players will help the team," he said.

Asked about the main competitors in the event, Mohd Azmi said Pahang and Johor are among the teams to watch out for because they have quality players.

SUKMA 2024 in Sarawak will be held from Aug 17 to 24.

-- BERNAMA