Naaveennash eyes Speedy Tigers shirt

KUALA LUMPUR: Forward T. Naaveennash Panicker eyes the next level — joining the national senior hockey team after helping Malaysia win the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) last month.

Naaveennash and Co defeated Pakistan 4-3 in a penalty shootout — after both teams were tied 2-2 at full time in the final — to win the SoJC.

He was Malaysia's top poacher and the second highest scorer at the SoJC with four goals.

The 20-year-old Kuala Lumpur-born player was first called up for national senior team training by the late Sarjit Singh in April, 2024, but did not make the final squad.

Naaveennash, who featured in last year's Junior World Cup in Tamil Nadu, India where he scored a goal, said he is eager to play for the national senior team.

"I have proven myself in the SoJC and I believe that I should be given a chance to play for the national senior team by next year," he said.

The Speedy Tigers will compete in three competitions next year — the Nations Cup (dates and venue yet to be decided), the SEA Games in Malaysia in September and Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in November.

National coach Brendon Carolan had said a few youngsters may be included for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

"To date I have not received a call-up for national training, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that it will come by next year," said Naaveennash who turns out for Tenaga Nasional in the ongoing Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) where he has scored three goals so far.

Tenaga, who have two more matches remaining, just need a win over Young Elephants on Thursday to clinch the league title. Their last league fixture is against Terengganu Hockey Team on Saturday.