Six National Juniors Vying For Places In Speedy Tigers

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 30 (Bernama) -- Six outstanding juniors have been called up for centralised training with the national senior men’s hockey squad preparing for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in Ismailia, Egypt, scheduled to take place from March 1 to 7.

The six players, who featured in the 2025 Men’s Junior World Cup in Chennai–Madurai, are goalkeeper Haziq Muizuddin, Andywalfian, Azimuddin Syakir, Adam Ashraf, Danish Aiman and Addy Jazmi.

National head coach Sarjit Singh said the inclusion of the young players is part of the team’s planning to ensure continuity within the Speedy Tigers squad, while also providing early exposure to young talents at the highest level.

“We want fresh impetus in the team, and the presence of these six young players brings something new. It also creates healthy competition as every player has to work harder to secure their place,” he said in a statement today.

Sarjit said the six were selected based on performance, discipline, tactical understanding and mental strength under pressure, as well as their level of physical readiness to compete at a higher level.

He also hopes the young players given the opportunity will show high confidence, adapt quickly and be bold in challenging the senior players.

A total of 30 players have been selected for the national training camp, which began yesterday (Dec 29), comprising five goalkeepers, 10 defenders, eight midfielders and seven forwards.

As part of preparations for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the national senior men’s team is scheduled to tour Perth in January for five friendly matches against Australia and Western Australia clubs.

The 2026 World Cup will be held in Belgium and the Netherlands from Aug 15 to 30.

-- BERNAMA