Kuala Lumpur: The National Women’s Hockey Squad seeks to leverage the upcoming tour series in China as a strategic platform to build robust team combinations in preparation for the 2 Nations Cup in Walcz, Poland, scheduled from June 16 to 22.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, team head coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim emphasized that this tour marks the second international engagement for the team this year, following a series of friendly matches against South Africa last February. “For me, it’s not just about winning and losing but I want to see everyone’s commitment and determination. This is not a fun adventure, this is an opportunity for the players to prove their abilities,” he stated in a release by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
Mohd Nasihin underlined the importance of the tactical aspect during the tour, expressing hope that the younger players will quickly adapt and gain valuable experience in China. The Malaysian Tigress is set to leave for China on Monday, May 5, where they will engage in seven friendlies against Liaoning Province, coupled with training sessions orchestrated by the coaching staff. The series kicks off with the first match on May 7, followed by subsequent matches on May 8, 10, 11, 13, and 15, concluding on May 17, with the team returning home the next day.
The squad for the China Tour Series comprises 23 players, segmented into goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers. The goalkeeper lineup includes Siti Zalia Nasir, Nur Hazlinda Zainal Abidin, and Fitrinur Amiera Ramlee. Defenders are Juliani Mohamad Din, Nurul Fatin Fatiah Azman, Khairunnisa Ayuni Mohd Sharuddin, Dayang Nuramirah Abang Mahadini, Anith Humaira Baharudin, Nur Aisyah Che Musa, Zawiatul Akma Hartomo, and Nur Syahirah Azwan. The midfielders are Nurmaizatul Hanim Syafi Shiek Fuad, Siti Nur Arfah Mohd Nor, Nur Insyirah Effarizal, Nur Nabila Alia Yussaini, Siti Nur Atika Shaikh Maznan, Siti Nur Irdina Mohd Nor, and Nur Shamine Azureen Mohammad Badusha. The strikers include Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar, Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhari, Siti Zulaikha Husain, Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir, and Fatin Shafika Mahd Sukri.