KUALA LUMPUR: Renowned for his prowess in hockey 5s, which saw Malaysia clinch gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics and secure a silver at this year's Muscat World Cup, Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin now aims to carve his legacy in field hockey.
Impressing national coach Sarjit Singh, the 24-year-old has earned a spot in the 30-member field hockey squad gearing up for the Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup in Ipoh from May 4-11.
"Malaysia have seen success in hockey 5s, and as a player, I take pride in these achievements," said Kamarulzaman.
"However, I also aspire to establish myself in field hockey. I will give my utmost to secure a spot in the final 18 for the SAS Cup."
Kamarulzaman said he is equally good in both hockey 5s and field hockey.
"I started my career in field hockey and represented Malaysia in the 2021 Junior World Cup in India. I scored two goals to help Malaysia finish eighth in the tournament.
"At the recent Malaysia Hockey League, I netted three goals from penalty corners for Maybank, who finished third in the league and the TNB Cup.
"However, I have never played for the national senior field hockey team," he said.
Confident in his abilities, the Johor-born believes his experience in hockey 5s will translate well to field hockey.
"In hockey 5s, players must be agile and make rapid decisions, which I believe gives me an edge in field hockey as well."
Sarjit will name his final squad of 18 players for the SAS Cup after the friendly against New Zealand in Ipoh on May 1.
The other teams in the fray are Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and Canada.
