Kuala Lumpur: The national women’s hockey squad is setting its sights on reaching at least the semi-finals of the FIH Women’s Nations Cup 2 tournament in Poland from June 16 to 22. The Speedy Tigress find themselves in Group A alongside South Africa, Uruguay, and host nation Poland.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, National Team Management Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak stated that the target is considered realistic, as Malaysia ranks as the second strongest team in Group A after South Africa. He expressed confidence in their ability to qualify for the semi-finals, as the tournament format allows the top two teams from each group to progress.
“I have discussed with the coaching line-up and we hope to qualify for the semi-finals. This is because the tournament format is the same as the Men’s Nations Cup where the top two teams from each group will progress to the semi-finals. So our first target is to be in the top two (of Group B). In fact, based on the current rankings, we are the second-best team in Group A. So we hope to do our best at the Nations Cup,” said Ahmad Najmi at the press conference held at the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) Headquarters.
During the press conference, Ahmad Najmi also announced the 20 players who will represent Malaysia at the tournament. Head coach Nasihin Nubli emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, noting that all teams in Group A, especially Poland, have the potential to reach the semi-finals.
“Poland are among the teams we cannot underestimate. Although they are ranked 27th, I believe that ranking does not reflect their current performance. In fact, during the European League qualifiers, they finished in second place. So I feel their level is quite high,” he said.
The squad consists of goalkeepers Siti Zalia Nasri and Nur Hazlinda Zainal Abidin; defenders Juliani Mohd Din, Fatin Shafika Mahd Sukri, Nur Nabila Alia Yussaini, Khairunnisa Ayuni Mohd Sharuddin, Zawaitul Akma Hartomo, and Dayang Nuramirah Abang Mahadini; midfielders Noor Hasliza Md Ali, Nur Insyirah Effarizal, Siti Nur Atika Shaikh Maznan, Nur Aisyah Che Musa, and Nur Shamine Azureen Mohammad Badusha; and forwards Hanis Nadiah Onn, Nur Afiqah Syahzani Azhar, Nuramirah Shakirah Zulkifli, Siti Nur Irdina Mohd Nor, Siti Nur Afiqah Mohd Nor, Siti Zulaikha Husain, and Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir.