Right time to show the world who we are, says Najmi

PETALING JAYA: Defender Najmi Farizal Jazlan (pic) believes the hockey World Cup will be the ideal stage to unleash a rejuvenated Speedy Tigers.

Najmi believes this team are more than capable of matching the mighty Europeans at the tournament in India from Jan 13-29.

Najmi, who captained Malaysia to their first triumph at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in November, said he is not being arrogant but his confidence stems from the fearless attitude and fighting spirit shown by the Tigers under coach A. Arulselvaraj.

Malaysia were hit by a spate of injuries upon their return from the Tour of Belgium (October) where regular skipper Marhan Jalil and striker Shahril Saabah were absent from the Azlan Shah Cup and the Nations Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa (Nov 28-Dec 4).

Najmi also skippered the team at the Nations Cup and by the end of the tournament – Malaysia had lost seven players to injuries.

And with less than 10 days to the World Cup, the team are miraculously back at full strength.

The influential Marhan will assume the captaincy while Shahril and Shello Silverius, who underwent a surgery after breaking a bone in his left arm, returned to add a much-needed strength to the squad.

“We want this new Speedy Tigers to prove that we can play well and match the Europeans and send a message that we can fight to become a top-eight team,” said the 27-year-old Najmi.

“With Marhan and Shahril back, we can afford to dream. We are going to show the world that we are not there to make up the numbers.

“This is not just another tournament but an event where we can make a strong impact and bring back the past glory of Malaysian hockey.

“We have tasted defeat (at the Asia Cup last year) and have bounced back to win the Azlan Shah Cup and we have also managed to battle on despite injuries.

“Our experience on the international stage have made us battle-hardened and what we need to do is play intelligent hockey in order to put up a strong performance in India.”

Malaysia are in Group C with world No. 2 Holland, New Zealand (No. 9) and Chile (No. 22).