Malaysian Tigers have to win against China – MHC president

SEREMBAN: The national hockey squad have no choice except to win in the match against 14th ranked team in the world, China, tonight at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said he was sure that the Great Wall country would fight harder after the 1-2 shocking loss to Italy on Friday night.

“Despite having an excellent start at the FIH Men's Series Finals by beating Brazil 6-0 on Friday night, I want all (Malaysian) players to work harder, not to take it easy and underestimate opponents in this tournament. We all can see how Canada (world number 10 ranked team) was defeated by Wales (ranked 24th) on a 3-1 surprise victory.

“China, as we know, have performed well in the World Cup… so that, we need to be prepared. I think China will play better from last night because this is about survival but in reality I am confident with our team and we will play in the final and insha-Allah tomorrow we will win with China,” he told Bernama yesterday.

Subahan said this when met at the Negri Sembilan Under 16 Hockey League Championship, here.

Also present were, MHC Senior Deputy President Prof Datuk Dr S. Shamala, Negri Sembilan Hockey Association (NSHA) Deputy President Datuk Zazali Salehudin, two NSHA Vice Presidents M. Gobinathan and Datuk N. Logendran, and NSHA honorary secretary, P. Tamil Selvam.

Commenting further, Subahan said he had met the Malaysian Tigers coach Roelant Oltmans and the players this afternoon in Kuala Lumpur and noted that they had high morale.

The Pool B fixtures will continue today as Brazil plays Italy at 6.05pm, while Malaysia will be challenged by China at 8.05pm.