Sarjit sees Japan as the team to beat in their home Asiad in 2026

PETALING JAYA: National head coach Sarjit Singh has picked Japan as the biggest threat at the 2026 Asian Games as their persistency in having a long-term plan has started yielding results.

The Asiad will be held at the Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya jointly and the home advantage will also give them the push to win gold and earn their berth for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Sarjit’s task is also to prepare the newly-built team to peak at the 2026 Asiad where a similar plan like Japan will help the Speedy Tigers’ cause.

Japan had already made big changes in their side by including younger players during the 2022 Asia Cup in Jakarta and they flexed their muscles at the Hangzhou Asiad last year where they were the surprise silver medallists behind India.

They turned on the heat again at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh last week where they remained unbeaten to win the trophy for the first time.

Japan scored a comfortable 4-1 win over New Zealand, who qualified for the Paris Olympics this year, and edged hosts Malaysia 2-1 as well as overcame Pakistan in the shootout (4-1) after a 2-2 draw in regulation time in the final.

“It is not surprising to see Japan doing well as they have a set team and they will be a big threat for us at the 2026 Asiad,” said Sarjit.

“They started rebuilding about two years ago with some seniors guiding and initially, they have been on the losing side at the international tournaments.

“However, they persisted with those results with the long term in mind and finally showed what they can do by winning the silver medal in Hangzhou.

“At the Azlan Shah Cup, they were solid in all departments and this team are going to get only better.

“Their progress is also a positive sign for our own efforts where we are starting from scratch.

“The results could have been better at the Azlan Shah Cup as we had the upper hand against Pakistan in our 4-5 defeat and were in total control against Japan but couldn’t find the goals towards the end.

“We have to keep focusing on the long process and keep giving our young players the chance to see action on the international stage. I believe we are on the right track.”

Malaysia secured three wins over Canada (6-2), New Zealand (6-4) and South Korea (1-0) but lost to Pakistan (4-5) and Japan (1-2) in the group stage.

In the third placing playoffs, they lost 2-3 to the Kiwis to finish fourth in the tournament.

The Tigers will return to training today to prepare for the Nations Cup in Poland from May 31-June.

Malaysia are in Group B with France, Pakistan and Canada and play their Asian rivals in the opening match on May 31.