National women’s hockey team declared unfit ahead of World Series

KUALA LUMPUR: The national women hockey players have been declared unfit just two months before the World Series in Dublin from June 8-16.

Their poor condition was evident during the team’s five Test matches against India’s national team at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil recently.

They lost four times (3-0, 5-0, 1-0 and 1-0) and drew once (4-4).

An unhappy coach K. Dharmaraj said his players were unfit and some of them have gained weight after a long lay-off.

“The girls stopped training after the Asian Games in Jakarta last August and only started training after the National Women’s League last month,” said Dharmaraj.

“Experienced players like Fazilla (Sylvester Silin) and captain Siti Noor Amarina (Ruhani) have put on weight and failed to play well.

“Goalkeeper Farah Ayuni (Yahya), who played in the England League for East Grindstead club last month, is not in good shape too.

“India are a strong team with skilful players.

“My players could not last the pace in the third and fourth quarters.

“Besides fitness, we also need to improve on team work and penalty corner set-pieces.

“I have two months to get them back in shape for the World Series,” added Dharmaraj.

The World Series is the qualifying tournament for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Malaysia are drawn in Group A with the Czech Republic, Singapore and hosts Ireland in the eight-team fray.

South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France are drawn in Group B.

The girls will leave for Europe on May 24 to play two matches against Italy and two against Spain as part of their preparation for the World Series.