Speedy Tigers Set Sights On Semis In ACT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 30 (Bernama) -- The national men's hockey squad have set their sights on at least making the semi-finals in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China from Sept 8-17.

National head coach Sarjit Singh said his team had undergone thorough preparation for the tournament, including a series of high-quality friendlies during their Tour of Europe last month.

As such, he hopes the players will use the experience gained to give their best and achieve the target set for them.

"We, the coaches, want to see the team achieve positive development from time to time and each player must take full responsibility when they take to the field as they are fighting to bring glory to the country.

"We also want them to perform consistently because our goal is to see them develop positively in the long run and, that's why, we hope they can reach at least the semi-finals (in Hulunbuir),” he said in a statement today.

In last year's edition in Chennai, India, the Speedy Tigers emerged runners-up after losing 4-3 to the hosts.

Meanwhile, in the same statement, Sarjit also announced the 19 players who will feature in the ACT in Hulunbuir.

According to him, their selection is based on their current performance, including their physical fitness levels.

The Speedy Tigers are scheduled to leave on Tuesday (Sept 3) and return home on Sept 18. 

Following is the list of the 19 players selected for the ACT: 

Goalkeepers: Muhamad Zaimi Mat Deris, Adrian Andy Albert

Defenders: Muhammad Marhan Jalil (Captain), Faiz Helmi Jali, Muhammad Amirul Hamizan Azhar, Muhamad Faris Harizan, Muhammad Najib Abu Hassan, Syarman Mat Tee.

Midfielders: Mohd Fitri Saari, Nik Muhamad Aiman Nik Rozemi, Shello Silverius, Muhammad Shafiq Hassan, Syawal Abd Razak.

Forwards: Faizal Saari, Muhamad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Muhajir Abdu Rauf, Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esook.

-- BERNAMA