The national hockey squad is getting close towards securing automatic qualification for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics next year.
Tai Beng Hai’s men have only one important task to achieve and that is to defeat India in the quarter final match in the Hockey World League semi finals which will be held in KHC Dragons stadium, Braaschaart, this Thursday morning.
If they make it through, they will be ending Malaysia’s 15 year absence in the Olympics as the last time the nation made its appearance was during the 2000 edition in Sydney, Australia.
According to the statistics, Malaysia has a bright chance of advancing as they previously beat India 3-2 easily during the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Perak, in March.
“For me, all players need to be ready because the match against India is important to advance to the Olympics. Even though we won against India in the Azlan Shah Cup, we should not underestimate them,” said Mohd. Sharun Nabil Abdullah as quoted from Kosmo.
“As a matter of fact, India had already qualified to the Olympics. So I hope that all players will be giving their best to defeat India, and also make sure that Malaysia gets to thrive in the Olympics again.”
Upon the lost to Great Britain two days ago, Beng Hai admits that the team needs to step up their game.
“Our players were tired since they had to play with nine men. That made us looks a lot of chance in the third quarter and fourth. We could barely control the game when Great Britain played with full confidence and made their goals,” said Beng Hai.
Photo credits: dawn.com
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