Working formula: Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi (left) said the training had whetted the team’s appetite to give their best in matches.
PETALING JAYA: The national hockey players are being put through a gruelling workout but they are game for it.
The Speedy Tigers have been undergoing strength and conditioning sessions ahead of some friendly matches in preparation for the World Cup and Asian Games next year.
Midfielder Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi said fitness coach Tom Drowley has been handling 80% of their training sessions while coach A. Arulselvaraj has been working on technique and basics of the game. The players too have been training on their own.
While the sessions have been energy sapping, Aiman said that it had been productive.
“On top of the workouts, we have a Whatsapp chat group with Tom. He’ll give us more info on what to do in terms of strength and conditioning,” he said.
“Each player is given a target to push themselves, but what I noticed is that we are pushing each other too.
“We want to show the coach that we are able to meet his demands when he does his tactical training.”
Aiman said the training had whetted their appetite to give their best in matches.
“We want to improve and be ready for the challenges next year. Also, when we play any friendlies, we’ll be in real good shape.”
Arulselvaraj has called up 28 players for the training camp.
He is looking forward to having friendlies between October and November with India, Japan, Australia and South Korea before the Azlan Shah Cup tournament from Nov 15-25.
The players will also head to Spain for a six-nation tournament later this year which also involves heavyweights Germany and Belgium.
The competition will be their final tune-up before competing in the World Cup in January.
