MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
Malaysia emerge champs in Tuanku Zara Invitational International
MALAYSIA beat a gritty Uzbekistan 3-0 to become champions of the inaugural Tuanku Zara Invitational International Women’s Indoor Hockey in Kuala Kangsar yesterday.
And it was only half of the Sea Games squad that coach K. Dharmaraj is training to become champions in Manila. The other half are training as well as playing against a visiting Singapore team in Kuala Lumpur, signalling a better show than the bronze won in KL 2017 Sea Games.
The Uzbeks held Malaysia until the 24th minute, but then Nur Aisyah Yaacob scored from a penalty corner in the 25th, and followed up with another penalty corner goal in the 30th minute.
Qasidah Najwa Halimi scored a field goal in the 33rd minute to complete the rout.
“Indoor hockey has great potential in Malaysia and it should be promoted widely in all states. I believe if there is a local league, and our players are given more opportunities to play in overseas tournaments, more medals can be won,” Dharmaraj said.
“Some of my players had just returned from playing in European leagues and I had to leave them behind in Kuala Lumpur to rest as well as train and play friendly matches against a visiting Singapore side.
“The team will be stronger when I combine all the players and head to Manila. And even though Indonesia and Thailand women are way ahead of us in indoor hockey, I believe we will give them a tough fight in Manila.
“The target is to win gold, and that is what we will strive to achieve.”
Uzbekistan and Taiwan gave Malaysia a decent fight, while Nepal and Philippines were easier opponents in Kuala Kangsar.
For the record, Thailand and Indonesia finished top two in the 2017 KL Sea Games while Malaysia were men’s champions.
RESULTS: Final — Malaysia 3 Uzbekistan 0; Third-Fourth: Taiwan 4 Philippines 0.