KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s hockey squad captain, Mohamad Sukri Abdul Mutalib has stressed that Malaysia is still on the right track in trying to achieve their target of winning gold at the upcoming Asian Games in Indonesia this coming August, therefore also to gain automatic qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.
Even though the national team has been on the receiving end of criticism following their less than impressive performances in their playing tour of Argentina recently, Sukri was adamant that he and his teammates are in the best position to know exactly where their path lies.
"There is no need for worry nor fear of other people’s words, thoughts and opinions. Because as athletes we know what the plan is and what we need to do.
"We also know each other well as we play together as a team and we take pride in representing the country, and we also realise what’s at stake and what we need to do. From early on my teammates and I have felt that if we can win a match or two then it would already be enough.
"It must be understood that we went through a tough and gruelling training phase before we left for Argentina and what I predicted turned out to be true anyway,” said Sukri, referring to the national squad’s achievement of beating Olympic champions Argentina during the last of the six match playing tour.
Before that, the national squad lost four and drew one against the 2016 Rio Olympics gold medalists.
Next they will face a series of friendly matches against another powerhouse, Australia as part of their final preparations before taking part in the Asian Games.
"I am hoping that the final phase of preparations will do us much good and enable us to play better as a team especially during the Games where we are playing for pride, honours, and to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics,” said Sukri.
