MUSCAT: The Malaysia men's hockey team left for Muscat, Oman, today on a mission to grab the last chance to the Paris Olympics by finishing third at the Qualifiers on Jan 15-21.
Malaysia are in Group A with Great Britain, China and Pakistan, and this time around there are no avenues for mistakes when they play the two Asian teams for a semi-final slot.
The three medallists will earn their Olympic tickets, and coach A. Arul Selvaraj's team are in the mood to claim an Olympic spot after being out in the cold for 24 years.
"The team's mood is very good, and the vibes are that we will do what is expected of us at the group stage and then fight for a medal to become Olympians," said Arul.
The Speedy Tigers' first test is on Monday against world No. 23 China who held them 4-4 at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year. World No. 12 Malaysia can't expect another booboo against a team ranked 11 rungs lower.
For the record, at the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai last year, Malaysia beat China 5-1, but hit a terrible patch at the Asian Games.
Arul's men will be under the radar as this is their final KPI, which can turn them into Olympians, or there will be a massive reshuffle if they fail to win a medal in Oman.
Malaysia will play two friendlies against Group B opponents, Canada and China as a warm-up.
MALAYSIA — Goalkeepers: Hafizuddin Othman, Zaini Mat Deris.
Defenders: Marhan Jalil, Razire Rahim, Zulpidaus Mizun, Syafiq Hassan, Amirul Hamizan, Ramadan Rosli.
Midfielders: Faiz Helmi Jali, Meor Azuan Hassan, Nik Aiman Nik Hassan, Shello Silverius, Fitri Saari.
Strikers: Firhan Ashari, Ashran Hamsani, Norsyafiq Sumantri, Azrai Aizad, Shahril Saabah.
