Important mission for Malaysian Tigress in Ireland
Published on: Saturday, May 25, 2019
By: Bernama
Kuala Lumpur: The national women’s hockey squad has only one important mission to accomplish at the Women’s Finals Series FIH Championship in Banbridge, Ireland next month; and that is to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.Apart from attempting to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 40 years, the mission, should it be accomplished, would also determine the future of the Malaysian Tigress squad.ADVERTISEMENT
The team’s performance in Banbridge on June 8-16, will also see whether or not some senior players will hang their hockey sticks or the contract of coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah will be renewed.
Knowing that they have to finish in the top two at the championship to qualify to the final qualifying round for Tokyo Olympics in October and November, the Malaysian Tigress have been making various preparations, including by attending training as early as 3am during the fasting month and kissing goodbye to this year’s Aidilfitri celebration.
“We are under less pressure because we ranked fifth from the eight contesting teams. With less pressure on the players, we might achieve something from this championship because it is very important,” he said.
“If we failed, most of the players in the squad will be left out from the National Sports Council programme because there will only be indoor hockey event at the SEA Games 2019, and the field hockey players will have nothing to look forward to...so we have to achieve something in Banbridge.ADVERTISEMENT
“I know my contract ends this year and if we failed, the contact might not be renewed or I could be sent elsewhere. Everything is possible. I have been through this kind of situations since I began my coaching career in 2012,” he told reporters before leaving for Rome for the European Tour Series as part of the team’s preparation for the championship.
The Malaysian Tigress will train and play in a friendly match in Rome before leaving for Glasgow on June 1 to play in two friendly matches against Scotland.
ADVERTISEMENT
They are expected to arrive in Ireland on June 6 for a warming-up match against the country’s Under-23 squad.
For the campaign in Ireland, Malaysia which ranked 22nd in the world, have been drawn in Group A with Ireland (Rank 8), Czech Republic (19) and Singapore (35), while Group B comprises South Korea (11), Scotland (18), Ukraine (26) and France (30).
Meanwhile, national flick expert, Nuraini Abdul Rashid said she and the team would try their level best to spring a surprise at the championship.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
“Not just me, the whole team will do their best...what’s important is that we will try to advance to the final and finish in the top two so that we can qualify for the next round.
“There are six senior players, including myself, who will be playing at the Olympic qualifying round for the third time. Maybe we’ll get lucky. After all, third time’s a charm! InsyaAllah...we will work for it. It’s not easy, but it’s possible,” said the 30-year-old player. – Bernama