Hockey team must get back to where they belong, says Subahan

Flaghanding ceremony for World Cup hockey squad by Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh. - LOW LAY PHON/The Star

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal has not set a specific target for the Speedy Tigers but wants them to return to the world’s top 10 again with a standout performance at the World Cup in India from Jan 13-29.

Malaysia dropped a rung to World No. 11 after an injury-stricken team finished fourth in the Nations Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa, from Nov 28-Dec 4 last year where South Korea, who finished third, overtook them to be ranked No. 10.

Improving their world ranking also means that Malaysia, who are in Group C with world No. 2 Holland, world No. 9 New Zealand and world No. 22 Chile, must chalk up at least two wins to get back into the top 10 again.

Victories against New Zealand and Chile will not only help their cause in improving their world ranking but also take them into the knockout stage of the prestigious event, which will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh was present to hand over the Jalur Gemilang to the Speedy Tigers who will leave for Bhubaneswar today.

“We were ranked No. 10 but we dropped one rung (recently). I have told Arul that we have to return to the top 10 again after the World Cup. We need to be there to show to all Malaysians that the No. 1 team sport in the country is hockey,” said Subahan during the flag-handing ceremony at the National Hockey Stadium yesterday.

“It is not going to be easy but we are quite optimistic and confident we will perform well at the World Cup.

“We did not do well in 2018 because we had three former world champions – Holland, Germany and Pakistan – in our group and it was quite tough.

“This time, we have the Dutch, New Zealand and Chile and we should be able to do well.

“Getting into the World Cup was not easy but they’ve done it. But that’s not enough. The players must prove that we are one of the best teams in the world.”

Hannah, who was present with her deputy Adam Adli Abdul Halim, also took the opportunity to speak to the players to boost their confidence ahead of the World Cup.

“When you are playing in the World Cup, you’re not only representing the country but you are a hero to the younger generation,’’ she said.

“The future generation needs much inspiration, so go out there and be the best role models that you can.’’

This will be Malaysia’s ninth appearance at the World Cup, where their best outing was finishing fourth at home in 1975.