KUALA LUMPUR: The Speedy Tigers don’t seem to be up to speed while their Asian rivals have been busy preparing.
Malaysia have not played any preparatory hockey matches for the Asia Cup in Rajgir, India, from Aug 27-Sept 7 since finishing sixth among eight teams in the Nations Cup in Bukit Jalil in June.
In contrast, South Korea and Japan played four friendly matches recently in Jincheon, South Korea. The Koreans won the first two matches (2-1 and 3-2) and lost the next two (4-1 and 5-4).
World No. 8 India, coached by South African, Craig Fulton, have also been doing their homework and will play a four-match series against world No. 6 Australia in Perth later this month, Australia edged India 3–2 in both legs in the FIH Pro League 2024–25 in Europe.
India, who won back-to-back Olympic bronzes in Tokyo (2021) and Paris last year, will start as favourites in the eight-team Asia Cup. The winners will qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Though the Asia Cup begins in three weeks’ time, its draw and fixtures are yet to be done because world No. 15 and three-time champions Pakistan have not confirmed their participation.
Amid the political tension between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan team are still waiting for approval from their government.
Apart from India and world No. 12 Malaysia, the other teams competing in the Asia Cup are South Korea (No. 13), Japan (No. 18), China (No. 22), Oman (No. 26) and Taiwan (No. 38).
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
