Malaysia deal Philippines double blow
THE Malaysian men’s indoor hockey team pulverised Philippines 16-0, while the Malaysian women whipped Philippines 19-0 in the curtain raiser of indoor hockey at Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) yesterday.
In the second match, the Malaysian men whitewashed Vietnam 15-0.
Both the men and women only recently started playing indoor hockey, but have shown tremendous improvement.
And while the men look set to claim gold, the women will have to beat strong sides Thailand and Indonesia.
Indoor hockey is making its debut in the Sea Games, so men’s coach Amin Rahim did not know what to expect in their first match yesterday.
“I told them to play like world indoor power Iran, which means have no mercy on the opponents.
“We did not know what to expect from the Philippines as the sport is making its Sea Games debut.
“The huge win is a welcome start to our gold medal quest,” said Amin.
Philippines are the next Sea Games hosts, and by the beating they received yesterday, indoor hockey might find it difficult to make the grade in two years time.
“I understand the situation, and that’s why after the Games, Asean countries must come together and have an indoor championship to keep the sport alive in this region.
“In Europe, indoor hockey is very popular and they have very strong teams because they regularly play in tournaments and also friendlies across borders.
“Since Asean countries are also close by, it would be good if the six of us (Sea Games indoor teams) keep the sport alive by playing more regularly,” said Amin who is a former field hockey international.
– Malaysia 16 Philippines 0, Malaysia 15 Vietnam 0, Indonesia 11 Vietnam 0, Thailand 3 Singapore 1.
– Malaysia 19 Philippines 0, Indonesia 4 Singapore 0, Thailand 14 Philippines 0. Jugjet Singh