Fly higher, avengers
Oltmans’ men to build on momentum of revenge win over Japan
PETALING JAYA: The victory against Japan was a sweet one and the Malaysian hockey team are hoping to keep the momentum going in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Malaysia upstaged Asian Games champions Japan 4-3 to register their second win in the tournament at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh on Sunday.
The sensational win came just eight months after their agonising 1-3 defeat to Japan in a penalty shootout after both sides were tied 6-6 in regulation time in the Asiad final in Jakarta last August.
They had earlier whipped Poland 5-1 on Saturday in Ipoh.
Midfielder Fitri Saari said the team fought well against Japan to avenge their defeat in the Asian Games final.
“Some of us had revenge on our minds, but our coach (Roelant Oltmans) told us to focus on the three points and we pulled it off,” said Fitri.
The Terengganu player said the combination of youth and experience in the team had been effective so far and he was happy to see the commitment shown by the youngsters.
“The quality of the back-up players are outstanding. Even though they are young, their game looks mature and some of them can even give us, the seniors, a tough fight for the FIH World Series Finals selection.
The FIH World Series Finals, which is a qualifier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, will be held at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil from April 26-May 4.
“As seniors, we encouraged them to do their best and told them not to worry even if they committed mistakes on the field. I was pleased with their performance against Japan as they were technically sound,” he said.
Fitri, who is one of the team captains with Muhd Razie Abdul Rahim, Marhan Abd Jalil and Meor Muhamad Hassan, said the rotation policy is a master stroke from Oltmans as it promotes better discussion among the senior players.
“Sharing the leadership role is a brilliant move. There are no egos among the four captains, and we can discuss well during training and matches,” said Fitri.
“We’ve played together for quite a while and communication is not a problem at all. It’s good to have four to five ideas instead of one during matches.”
Today, Malaysia face India, the highest ranked team in the tournament, and Fitri promises the team will be at their best.
“We’re aware of India’s reputation. They’re the favourites because of their rankings but having played against them before, we know we stand a chance,” he said.
Malaysia defeated India in the Asiad semi-final last year.
“We have to continue with the momentum. We all know that winning this tournament will boost our confidence for the Olympic qualifier in Kuala Lumpur next month.”