KUALA LUMPUR: Nine players who played a key role in the national men’s indoor hockey team’s previous victory will be counted on by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to defend their title at the Asia Cup 2024 in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan from May 21-25.
Shurizan Mansor, chairman of the MHC indoor hockey committee, said the full 12-player squad for this tournament includes three new additions: defenders Muhammad Aminuddin Mohd Zain and Shazril Irwan Nazli and forward Abdul Khaliq Hamirin.
“This year’s competition is more challenging due to the different format. The champions and runners-up of both groups will play another round to determine the teams that will qualify for the final. The two teams that reach the final will automatically qualify for the 2025 World Cup,” he said in a statement by MHC.
“If Malaysia reaches the final, it will be a historic achievement as it would be our first time qualifying for the World Cup. This will likely attract more attention and support for the team,” he added.
Mohd Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi, the National men’s indoor hockey team head coach said player selection was based on individual technical and tactical skills, team spirit, discipline, and fitness.
The tournament will see Malaysia face off against Kazakhstan, the host nation, Oman, and Indonesia in Group B. Meanwhile, Group A consists of Iran, Thailand, Singapore, and Tajikistan.
In the second round, the top two teams from each group will be placed in Group C, while the remaining teams will be placed in Group D.
The top two teams from each group will be placed in Group C in the second round, while the remaining teams will be placed in Group D. The two best teams in Group C will face off in the final after the second round.
In the 2022 edition in Bangkok, Malaysia created history by winning its first Asia Cup title, beating eight-time champions Iran 3-2 in penalty shootout after both teams tied 4-4 in regular time.
Asian Cup 2024
Below is the list of 12 players of the men’s national indoor hockey team who will participate in the 2024 Asian Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, from May 21 to 25:
1. Mohd Khairul Afendy Kamaruzaman Goalkeeper
2. Mohamad Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri Goalkeeper
3. Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan Defender
4. Muhammad Aminuddin Mohd Zain Defender
5. Muhammad Aslam Mohamed Hanafiah Defender
6. Shazril Irwan Nazli Defender
7. Muhammad Firdaus Omar Midfielder
8. Muhammad Izham Azhar Midfielder
9. Norsyafiq Sumantri Forward
10. Muhammad Ashran Hamsani Forward
11. Faridzul Afiq Mohd Forward
12. Abdul Khaliq Hamirin Forward
