Versatile Amirol out to prove his worth
AMIROL Aideed Arshad never expected to be selected for the Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Oct 11-22.
But injuries suffered by Izzat Hakimi, Firhan Ashaari and Meor Azuan opened the door for him to make his senior debut after helping Malaysia to a gold medal in the Sea Games indoor hockey competition recently.
The 22-year-old was glad that his perseverance in training has paid off, and will use this opportunity to make a name for himself with the senior squad.
“From the day I was called-up for training until the very last day just before selection, I gave my very best, though I never expected to be included for a big tournament like the Asia Cup.
“I received the good news at the 11th hour (one day before the squad were named last Wednesday) and I now look forward to helping our side beat the best teams in the region and play in the final,” said Amirol.
The Kuala Lumpur-born player said he had no problems switching his game from indoor to field, which are poles apart.
“I was a field player drafted to play indoor and so I have no problems switching back for the Asia Cup.
“My personal target now is to cement my position by playing my heart out and to be in contention for the 2018 World Cup as well.”
He tasted success at junior level under coach Arul Selvaraj by winning the 2015 Singapore Sea Games gold medal.
The Asia Cup doubles up as a World Cup qualifier and three teams have already made the cut to go through.
India as hosts, Malaysia by finishing fourth in the World League Semifinals, while seventh placed Pakistan also qualified for the World Cup due to their ranking.
In Dhaka, World No 12 Malaysia are in Group B with South Korea (No 13), China (No 18) and Oman (No 30).
In Group A is made up of India (No 6), Pakistan (No 14), Japan (No 17) and Bangladesh (No 34).