Fitri Saari opened the scoring against Canada in Malaysia's 4-2 win at the Nations Cup in Poland on May 5. - FIH
PETALING JAYA: There’s no room for fear or hesitation as Malaysia prepare to face Pakistan in their opening match of the 2025 Nations Cup today.
National stalwarts Marhan Jalil and Fitri Saari have thrown down the gauntlet, calling on the Speedy Tigers' young hockey players to rise to the occasion and show their worth, especially on home turf at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
For Marhan, who will again marshal the defence with his trademark discipline and drive, the opening game is not just about a win - it’s about laying down a marker.
"Every team faces pressure in any tournament. But playing at home? That’s an extra layer. The crowd expects, and we want to deliver. We need this win - it’s the first step towards the semi-finals," said the experienced campaigner.
And Pakistan, a team with a rich hockey tradition, will be a threat.
Their drag-flicking ace Sufyan Khan is the man to contain, but Marhan insists Malaysia have done their homework.
"We’ve trained specifically on how to deal with his penalty corners. Our first runners know the assignment, to close him down quickly. But it’s not just him. Pakistan have other weapons, and we’ve accounted for them," he added.
Above all, he wants his younger teammates to play without fear.
"Don’t be scared. Use the home crowd as fuel to show your prowess. Seniors like me will always be there to push and support. We win as a team, we lose as a team. That’s our code."
Fitri, the chief playmaker in the team, echoed the same sentiments and added that Malaysia’s recent close-door friendly against Wales, a match in which the team fielded many young players and fell short, offered valuable lessons.
"We lost to Wales but we didn’t play with the full squad. It was a chance for the young players to experience this level. It’s different, faster, more intense,” he said.
"But now, they’ve had that taste. It’s time for them to adapt and show what they’re made of against Pakistan.”
Malaysia are eyeing a strong start in a tournament that serves as a crucial build-up to upcoming international commitments.
And while the senior figures in the team are ready to lead, the message is clear - it’s time for the next generation to step forward.
The Nations Cup opener against Pakistan will be more than just a battle for points. It will be a test of character, unity, and belief and Malaysia’s veterans believe their young guns are ready for it.
