Switching from indoor to outdoor hockey is no biggie for Najmi

PETALING JAYA: National indoor hockey team’s captain Najmi Farizal Jazlan (pic) is shaping up well for the Indoor World Cup from Feb 3-9 in Porec, Croatia.

This is based on the 29-year-old fiery form in the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL). Yesterday, he scored a penalty corner in Maybank’s 5-1 thrashing of Nur Insafi at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.

Najmi scored the goal in the 51st minute, adding his league tally to two from four games.

The other goals for Maybank were scored by Amirullah Zainol (21st), Salman Sudirman (35th), Hafifihafiz Hanafi (52nd) and Ashran Hamsani (58th).

Nur Insafi’s goal was scored by Nur Rahul Hrishikesha in the 41st minute.

Najmi will play two more games against UiTM (Jan 15) and Matador (Jan 17) before reporting for national indoor duty on Jan 18.

The change from outdoor to indoor may affect others but not Najmi.

“I play both formats well and I can adjust immediately, so I do not see it as an issue. I’m using the MHL to build momentum before the World Cup,” said Najmi.

“Both indoor and outdoor hockey demand focus, accuracy, and quick thinking, so to play in the league is a great help ahead of the world event.

“Malaysia have qualified for the World Cup for the first time. We are very excited to play in the meet with the top teams. It’ll be a valuable experience.”

Najmi is also hoping to be part of the Asian Cup in Rajgir, India from Aug 27-Sept 7. The winners will qualify for next year’s World Cup.

After the upcoming World Cup, he will resume his duty with Maybank when they take on TNB Thunderbolts on Feb 13.

“I hope my league form will be good enough to attract the attention of the national team coaches,” he said.

Najmi said he was enjoying penalty corner duties with veteran Razie Rahim.

“I’ve known Razie for a long time and we have rotated the duties quite often. It is good to have two flickers as part of team’s strategy.

“We have collected nine points in four game but it’s not enough. We hope to keep getting better.”