SEA Games: Men's Hockey 5s Team Set Gold Target, Women Out To Spring Surprise

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28 (Bernama) -- The national men's hockey five-a-side team have the potential to mark their debut in the Thailand SEA Games 2025 with a gold medal based on their experience and other previous achievements.

Men's team manager Hasnizam Hassan said they have conducted a thorough training and selection process, thus increasing their confidence of striking gold at the biennial Games.

"This is the first time that hockey five-a-side is being contested at the Games, and we have set a target of gold for the men's team and silver for the women's team.

"However, we are confident the women's team can spring a surprise,” he told a media conference on the unveiling of the men's and women's teams here today.

The men's team, to be skippered by Akhimullah Anuar Esook, will also comprise Adrian Albert, Mohamad Akmal Yussaini, Muhammad Arif Syafie Ishak, Mohamad Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin, Luqman Nul Hakim Ahmad Shukran, Syarman Mat Tee, Muhammad Abid Sufian Mat Ruslee, Muhammad Muhibuddin Moharam and Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel Suzaini.

Hasnizam said Malaysia's achievement in emerging as runners-up in the 2024 Men's FIH Hockey5s World Cup has made the men's team among the frontrunners for the first edition of the hockey 5s at the SEA Games.

Malaysia's challenge in the women's competition will be led by Nurul Safiqah Mat Isa, Dian Nursyakira Najwa Al Qadqa Nazeri and Nur Shafika Ahmad Kamal, who featured in the 2024 FIH Women's Hockey5s World Cup.

-- BERNAMA