Malaysian hockey legend Datuk Poon Fook Loke believes that the outcome of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup would be a wake-up call for the national squad, ahead of their Olympic Game qualifiers.
Malaysia, who finished as runners up in the last two years, had a comfortable 4-1 victory over Canada in the final group match on Saturday. However, in the fifth placing playoff match, Canada managed to prevail 3-1 in a penalty shootout after a 4-4 draw in regulation time against Tai Beng Hai’s men.
The result ensured that Malaysia finished dead last in this year’s installment of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
Former national hockey striker Datuk Poon has refused to critise the Malaysian team despite their poor performance at the tournament.
“I foresaw it coming! It was really hard in the second set, I’m sad but not surprised how Canada bounced back especially in the penalty corners, it was like touch and go.”
He then added that people must be aware that the Malaysian players were extremely tired, considering the fact that they play hockey the whole year round and he was hopeful that Beng Hai will soon realize that his players need rest.
“Nobody wants to make mistakes and from a player’s point of view, they are very tired. It is a clear message to the country that they are just tired.”
“They need enough rest to come back and compete in a very tough tournament.”
“There’s still eight weeks before the World league semi-finals and that’s important! We need to be able to qualify for the Olympics.”
“This is going to be a big challenge for Beng Hai’s team and this tournament would aid them to prepare them for that.”
Photo Credits: Astro Awani
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