Najmi gives thumbs up for talents aplenty ahead of World Cup

Ready for a shot: Maybank captain Ashran Hamsani (left) and Najmi Farizal Jazlan in action during the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League match against Tenaga Nasional. — MHC

PETALING JAYA: The performance of youngsters at the Malaysian Indoor Hockey League (MIHL) has boosted national team captain Najmi Farizal Jazlan confidence ahead of their debut appearance at the World Cup in Croatia next year.

Najmi, who also captains Maybank and led them to victory at the MIHL after defeating Tenaga Nasional 4-1 on Saturday, said the tournament held at the IOI City Mall Sports Centre showed promising talents.

“This tournament has shown me that we are capable of playing indoor hockey at a high level. Even though only a few national players competed, the overall skill level was good,” said Najmi.

“I saw many young players with great potential who could be integrated into the national team for training and future competitions.

“This is the best tournament for indoor hockey players because it highlights just how much talent we have.”

Malaysia earned their spot in the World Cup by finishing runners-up at the Asian Cup, after losing 1-7 to Iran in the final in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, in May.

Najmi is confident he can deliver his best performance at the World Cup, which will be held from Feb 3-9, having scored a total of 17 goals throughout the MIHL tournament.

He added that the team were aiming for a podium finish in Croatia, determined to make the most of their first-ever appearance at the World Cup.

“We’re aiming for a podium finish. The players have sacrificed so much to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

“This is uncharted territory for us, so we’re not going to take anything for granted.

“A podium finish would make all the sacrifices and hard work truly worthwhile,” he added.

ROLL OF HONOUR

Men

Top scorer: Faridzul Afiq Mohd (DBKL HT) 25 goals

Final player of the match: Najmi Farizal Jazlan (Maybank)

Best goalkeeper: Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri (DBKL HT)

Fairplay: DBKL HT

Women

Top scorer: Nur Syafiqah Mohd Zain (Malacca Old Ladies HC) 17 goals

Final player of the match: Fazilla Sylvester Silin (DBKL HT)

Best goalkeeper: S. Veena Yasmine (BNHC SMZN)

Fairplay: Malacca Old Ladies HC