TEEN TITAN AMIRAH
Teenager is coach Dharmaraj’s weapon in Indonesia
EIGHTEEN-year-old Nur Amirah Shakirah can almost hit the ball like a man, and the fearless teenager will be among the players coach K. Dharmaraj is banking on to score in the Indonesia Asian Games.
The women are in Group A with China, Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan and will start their campaign on Aug 19 against Hong Kong — where a win is almost guaranteed.
“I have played in many interantional tournaments before and even though I was a little scared in the beginning, I no longer have the jitters when up against elder opponents,” said the former SMK Datuk Lela Pahlawan, Padang Serai, Kedah student.
Amirah has participated in the Asian Champions Trophy in Donghae, the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Hockey Series Open in Singapore and the recent Australian Tour.
“The Singapore tournament was memorable because I scored seven goals and helped Malaysia to become the champions.
“I will be trying my best to score at the Asian Games as well, as it can be considered my biggest stage so far,” said Amirah.
She said even though the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are looking for at least a bronze from them, this has not placed undue pressure on the team.
“Coach always pushes us to aim for a medal in any tournament we compete in, so it’s nothing new for my team-mates and I.”
Malaysia have had a good run aginst Japan in the last three years, and Dharmaraj’s players have also closed the gap with China when they lost 3-1 in the ACT pool match, and then 2-0 in the third-fourth placing match.
At the Asian Games, Dharmaraj will be aiming for full points against Japan and China to qualify for the semi-finals. Hong Kong and Taiwan should pose no problems for Malaysia.
Dharmaraj has been hospitalised for stomach discomfort but should be discharged by today if his fever subsides.