Speedy Tigers eye revenge against India as Carolan wants to close gap on top teams

PETALING JAYA: The national hockey team will get their chance to seek revenge against India as both sides clash at the Asian Champions Trophy today.

World No. 12 Malaysia recently fell to India at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, where they settled for silver following a 5-1 defeat to their world No. 8 opponents in the final.

While the Speedy Tigers look to avenge that loss, head coach Brendon Carolan wants his side to close the gap on the higher-ranked teams.

“We’re not just looking to finish top two in the tournament, but also want to close the gap on the big teams ahead of us,” said Carolan.

“We will take each match at a time and focus on the match with India before thinking about the last game against Japan.

“India are a strong team, but we just have to be better.”

Malaysia remain unbeaten in the tournament after beating China 5-4, South Korea 3-1, and Bangladesh 6-1.

India have been flawless as well, beating Bangladesh 11-0 before winning 5-2 against China and 4-1 against Japan.

Defending champions India are also looking to clinch their sixth Asian Champions Trophy, as well as their third straight crown after winning in 2023 and 2024.