PETALING JAYA: The high level of energy and team spirit of the Speedy Tigers are the right tonic for them to overcome Pakistan and China at the Olympic Qualifiers in Muscat, Oman from Jan 15-21.
National coach A. Arulselvaraj said having the positive mindset and determination shown by the players is important.
Bouncing back from the Hangzhou Asian Games setback had been Arulselvaraj’s biggest concern in the run-up to the qualifiers but he is happy with the serious intent of the entire squad.
Malaysia are in Group A with world No. 4 Great Britain, Pakistan and China while world champions Germany are in Group B with New Zealand, Canada and Chile.
The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals and the top three finishers in the knockout stage will progress to 2024 Paris.
“The energy and team spirit is high and the mood is very positive. This the mindset we need to counter a tough qualifying campaign in Oman,” said Arulselvaraj.
“We have to beat Pakistan and China and to achieve that, their current level of confidence and determination is crucial.
“They know the individual errors they need to overcome. We have probably the most versatile set of players as most of them are capable of playing in more than one position.
“Realistically, in terms of ranking, quality and current performance, Britain are ahead of us and we have to beat the others to advance.
“Once in the knockout stage, we have two opportunities to clinch the Olympic spot. If we don’t win the semi-final match, we have the third placing playoff and we have to be prepared to go all the way.”
Arulselvaraj added that the knockout phase will be tough as the Group B teams like Germany, Canada and New Zealand have regularly played in the Olympics but Malaysia last featured in the 2000 Sydney Games.
“Except for Chile, the other three teams have consistently played in the Olympics while we have missed the last five editions,” added Arulselvaraj.
“They have the advantage and know how to play in crucial matches due to their Olympic experience.
Malaysia, who arrived in Muscat yesterday, will open their campaign against China on Jan 15, Britain on Jan 16 and Pakistan on Jan 18.
