KUALA LUMPUR: Youngster Mohd Ramadan Rosli has earned the biggest break in his hockey career after being named for the Asia Cup, which begins at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh on Saturday.
The other player named in the 18-man team was experienced midfielder Jivan Mohan.
Forward Ramadan, Jivan and defender Azreen Rizal Nasir were the three players vying for the last two spots in the 18-man team as national coach Paul Revington had named 16 players two weeks ago.
The Kuala Lumpur-born Ramadan was a member of the Malaysian team who won the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca last year.
The 22-year-old has been included in the Asia Cup squad because of his versatility – he can play in midfield and attack.
Ramadan, who has been training with the national team since last year, was delighted to be making his debut in the Asia Cup.
“All my hard work in training has paid off. I want to thank coach Revington for having faith in me,” said Ramadan, who features for Tenaga Nasional in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL).
“I also want to enjoy a memorable outing in the Asia Cup by getting my name on the score sheet.”
The 30-year-old Jivan, who skipped the playing tour of South Africa in June and the World League semi-finals in Johor Baru last month with a knee injury, is just glad to be back in the national team.
“I have fully recovered from the injury and my aim now is to help Malaysia win the Asia Cup and qualify for the World Cup (in The Hague, Holland) next year,” said the Police Inspector, who has represented Malaysia 162 times.
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