Azimuddin enters Sukma as hotshot after exposure with Speedy Tigers

Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin

PETALING JAYA: Hockey striker Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin was a virtual unknown at the 2022 Malaysia Games (Sukma) but he will undoubtedly be a superstar at this year’s edition.

Things have changed dramatically for the 19-year-old since becoming part of the national senior squad helmed by Sarjit Singh.

Impressed by his potential, Sarjit had included Azimuddin for the first two tournaments he was in charge as the new coach – the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in May and the Nations Cup in Poland in June.

Azimuddin, now with 11 international caps and two goals to his name, was also included in the 20-player squad who toured Europe for three weeks beginning late July where they played newly crowned Olympic champions Holland, silver medallists Germany and bronze medallists India as well as Tokyo 2020 winners Belgium in seven friendlies.

Although the national senior squad are currently undergoing their fitness training programme under Jorg Teichmann, Sarjit has released Azimuddin to play for Johor at the Sukma where the hockey competition begins on Friday.Johor did well to win the league title at the Malaysian Junior Hockey league (MJHL) last month but Azimuddin had turned out for the SSTMI Thunderbolts.

“Azimuddin is fit and there should be no problems for him to play in the Sukma. His experience with the Speedy Tigers should help him guide the Johor team,” said Sarjit.

“He has been showing fine progress since joining the national senior side and it is also good to see how he handles his responsibility. “Johor managed to win their first MJH league title but Sukma will be tougher as many teams are equally strong this time.”

Johor won the men’s silver medal in Kuala Lumpur two years ago after losing 0-1 to Pahang where it was an Under-23 competition but the organisers have reverted to the Under-21 format this year.

However, Johor can count on Azimuddin and their solid young team to challenge for the title in Sarawak.