Sarjit praises Speedy Tigers after winning bronze in Bihar

A job well done: Malaysian players celebrating after beating China in the Asia Cup third-place playoff. — Adimazes/HockeyIndia

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s men’s hockey team ended their Asia Cup campaign on a high, clinching bronze after a commanding 4-1 win over China in the third-place playoff at the Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium on Sunday.

Head coach Sarjit Singh praised his players’ efforts, believing they had the quality to reach the final after showing significant improvement throughout the tournament.

“The boys played well enough to be in the final. After the loss to South Korea, everyone was disappointed, but we bounced back strongly to secure a podium finish,” said Sarjit.

The Speedy Tigers’ hopes of reaching the final were dashed after South Korea edged them 3-4 in their last Super Four clash on Saturday. The third-place finish matches Malaysia’s 2007 result, also achieved on Indian soil.

Their best results of second place came twice, once at the 2017 edition in Pakistan, followed by Jakarta in 2022.

There were plenty of positives to take away from the campaign in India, with striker Akhimullah Anuar Esook crowned top scorer with 12 goals.

Malaysia also scored 33 goals throughout the tournament, only behind champions India, who had 39 goals.

Youngster Andywalfian Jeffrynus was also named the tournament’s Future Rising Star after the 20-year-old scored a goal and showed skill and impact on the pitch.

“Our average is about 4.7 goals every match, which is very good,” said Sarjit.

“It shows that the team have improved, and with time, we will get even better.

“The important thing is that we are on the right track,” he added.

The win over China also helps Malaysia maintain their world No. 12 ranking, crucial ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March.

Only seven teams will book their spots – the top three from each qualifier plus the highest-ranked fourth-placed team.

Hosts India claimed victory after they beat South Korea 4-1 in the final, and also booked their ticket to the 2026 World Cup in Holland and Belgium.