Three National Women's Players Secure Spots With Scotland's Uddingston Hockey Club

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- Three outstanding national women’s hockey players have secured spots with the Uddingston Hockey Club, which will be competing in the upcoming 2024 Scottish Premier Hockey League, taking place from Sept 15 to Nov 16.

The players—Khairunnisa Ayuni Mohd Sharuddin, Nurul Fatin Fatiah Azman, and Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar—are set to depart for Scotland tomorrow.

However, they will return to Malaysia on Nov 3, to play in the national team for the 2024 Women’s Asian Champions Trophy, scheduled for later that month.

National women’s team coach Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim noted that their exceptional performance during the Cardiff Tour caught the eye of Uddingston’s coach, who witnessed the matches between Malaysia and Wales.

“Our coaching staff is hopeful they will seize this golden opportunity to elevate their own game while gaining valuable experience by competing alongside European players,” he said.

"The Scotland women's hockey team is among the strongest in Europe. The knowledge our players will bring back to Malaysia and share with their teammates will be incredibly valuable," said Nasihin in a statement today.

He is confident that the experience gained by these players will have a positive impact on the national team, given the high tempo and competitive level of European hockey.

"Our hope is for them to translate all the skills and insights they gain into their performance with the national team," he added.

This is not the first time Malaysian women’s hockey players have impressed international coaches and earned spots in foreign leagues.

Previously, national players such as Farah Ayuni Yahya, Nuraini Abdul Rashid, Fatin Shafika Mohd Sukri, Wan Norfaiezah Md Saiuti, Hanis Nadiah Onn, Julaini Mohamad Din, Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli, and Nur Maziatulhanim Syafi Sheik Fuad have also competed in international leagues.

-- BERNAMA