Speedy Tigresses open with tough matches at the Asian Champions Trophy

KUALA LUMPUR: Matches against Asian Games champions India and China in the first two rounds will serve as a crucial test for the national women's hockey squad as they begin their campaign at the Asian Champions Trophy in Bhopal, India on Nov 19-28.

National women's coach C. R. Kumar, however, views this schedule as an excellent opportunity to gauge his team's progress.

Malaysia, ranked 21st in the world, will face two higher-ranked opponents, world No. 7 India and world No. 4 China, on Nov 19 and 21, respectively.

"These early encounters with such formidable teams will provide the necessary challenge for the players to assess their true capabilities, while also testing the effectiveness of the tactical approach developed during their preparation period," said Kumar.

"In my view, this schedule is actually beneficial for the team, as we will face two strong opponents right from the start.

"Our team is evolving and undergoing a positive development process. We are also working hard to reach our target performance level.

"Even if we cannot fully dominate the game, we must know how to keep our opponents in check.

"These are among the key aspects that the players must implement when facing India and China."

Malaysia's other matches are against world No. 15 South Korea on Nov 22, world No. 11 Japan (Nov 24) and world No. 28 Thailand (Nov 25).

A squad of 20 players has been selected to represent the nation in the tournament.

The roster consists of players with international experience, including those who competed in the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

"The selected players have trained together and have gained exposure competing on the international stage.

"What is important now is for every player to execute their individual roles and the team's game plan as effectively as possible throughout the tournament," he said.

Regarding the team's objectives, Kumar wants the players to deliver a stronger performance than they did at the Asian Games, while also striving for more positive results in Bhopal.

"The experience at the Asian Games provided us with valuable insights to assess our own strengths and weaknesses, as well as to study our opponents. Based on that experience, we have developed better game plans and strategies for this tournament.

"My goal is to see the players perform better than they did at the last Asian Games, while simultaneously aiming for better results. I want the players to draw upon all the experience they have gained and translate it into a more convincing performance in Bhopal," he said.

SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Nur Hazlinda Zainal Abidin, Fitrinur Amiera Ramlee

Defenders: Noor Hasliza Ali, Fatin Shafika Mahd Sukri, Khairunnisa Ayuni Sharuddin, Zawiatul Akma Hartomo, Nur Zuha Qistina Ridzuan, Nur Shafika Ahmad Kamil

Midfielders: Nurmaizatul Hanim Syafi Shiek Fuad, Nur Insyirah Effarizal, Siti Nur Irdina Nor, Nur Shamine Azureen Badusha, Siti Nur Atika Shaikh Maznan, Nur Hanie Najwa Tarmizi

Forwards: Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar, Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli, Zati Alyani Zubir, Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhari, Nur Zariefah Dania Mazlan, Dian Nursyakira Najwa Al Wadqa Nazeri.