SPEEDY TIGERS CONCLUDE EUROPEAN TOUR WITH ANOTHER DEFEAT

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- The national men's hockey squad ended their European tour with another defeat, this time losing to India, 1-2, at the Zwolle Hockey Club, Netherlands, on Sunday.

India took the lead through Harmanpreet Singh's penalty corner in the 11th minute before Muhammad Fariz Harizan equalised two minutes later.

Harmanpreet was once again on target through a penalty corner in the 33rd minute thus ensuring victory for the team playing at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Despite losing for the second time in the Netherlands, Sarjit praised the efforts of his men, especially in terms of defence and one-on-one situations.

"There are still many things that need to be improved for this team and we have identified some things and will work to improve the weaknesses of the team.

"The coaches will continue to look forward to develop this team especially in terms of physical, strength, technical and tactical aspects," he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, today.

Last Friday, Malaysia were beaten 0-5 by the world's number one team, the Netherlands in a match held at the Arnhem Mixed Hockey Club.

The Speedy Tigers began their European tour campaign on June 30 with a three-match series against Belgium B in Antwerp starting with a 3-2 win, followed by a 2-4 loss (July 3) and a 3-2 comeback win (July 5).

They then continued their tour of Germany and were beaten 1-10 by the defending World Cup champions on July 7 before coming back to defeat Monchengladbach Hockey Club 9-2 on July 10.

-- BERNAMA