PUTRAJAYA: The main goal for the Malaysia men's hockey team is not just to qualify for the World Cup but to make their presence count.
And the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have full faith in the team led by head coach Sarjit Singh to make a mark at the World Cup qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, from March 1-7.
The top three teams and the highest world-ranked team in fourth place, will secure their place at the World Cup in Holland and Belgium from Aug 15-30.
Head coach Sarjit Singh has even put his job on the line, saying he would step down if Malaysia fail to qualify - a bold statement after the Speedy Tigers finished sixth out of eight teams at last year’s Nations Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
Malaysia qualified for the 2023 edition but finished 13th, Their best is a semi-final finish at the 1975 edition.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal remains firmly behind his coach.
"I have never doubted the coach," said Subahan after the MHC’s annual general meeting yesterday.
"The team have been working hard, and head coach Sarjit Singh has his plan. The team recently got back from Australia, and we hope that they will give it their best at the qualifiers.
"Sometimes we make plans but God decides fate. But I’m confident the team will do their best to qualify for the World Cup."
The battle will not be easy as Malaysia have been drawn in Group B with Pakistan, Austria, and China, while Group A will see hosts Egypt take on England, Japan, and the United States.
There will also be another World Cup qualifier held in Chile from Feb 28-Mar 8, which will see France, Ireland, South Korea, Wales, Scotland, Canada, Poland, and Chile compete.
Subahan added: "For now, we stay positive. If it doesn't go our way, we'll address it then.
