Norsyafiq boost for indoor hockey team’s bid to make the World Cup

Malaysian men indoor squad’s objective of qualifying for the 2025 World Cup in Croatia received huge boost with the arrival of national striker Norsyafiq Sumantri.

Norsyafiq, who played in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last week, has been allowed by national head coach Sarjit Singh to play in the Indoor Asia Cup in Kazakhstan from May 21-25. National indoor hockey head coach Rodhanizam Mat Radzi appreciated Sarjit’s co-operation in approving Norsyafiq’s release as the player although the Speedy Tigers will be competing in the Nations Cup in Poland from May 31-June 8.

Norsyafiq is one of the vital cogs in the Malaysian team who won their first Indoor Asia Cup by upstaging favourites Iran on shootout in Bangkok two years.

“The presence of Norsyafiq will further strengthen our team for the Indoor Asia Cup where we need to finish in the top two to qualify for the World Cup next year,” said Rodhanizam.

“I would like to thank Sarjit for releasing the player for our campaign as Norsyafiq is one of the more experienced players in the Speedy Tigers and he will have to sacrifice playing in the Nations Cup.

“Norsyafiq has already joined us in training today (yesterday) and I hope that he would be able to recover after a gruelling Azlan Shah Cup campaign and get adapted to the indoor mode as soon as possible.”

Malaysia will also have the services of former Speedy Tigers Najmi Farial Jazlan, Ashran Hamsan and Aminuddin Zain for the Asia Cup. While Norsyafiq combined well with Shello Silverius in 2022, he is set to form the twin strikeforce with Ashran to challenge the domination of world No. 2 Iran.

Malaysia were in Bangkok last week where they played four friendlies against Thailand who will play at the Asia Cup. They had comfortable 5-3, 7-1, 5-4 and 3-1 victories respectively over Thailand who are likely to play Malaysia in the second stage of the tournament held in a round robin format.

Malaysia are in Group B with Indonesia, Kazakhstan and Oman while Iran are in Group A with Singapore, Thailand and Tajikistan.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the second stage where best two will contest the final.