Kuala Lumpur: This year’s Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) offers players a chance to impress the national selectors and earn a call-up to join the Speedy Tigers. National hockey team head coach Sarjit Singh said his coaches are monitoring the players and those who show good discipline and performance throughout the MHL will be called up to join the Speedy Tigers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Sarjit Singh emphasized the opportunity for players to prove their worth. “Those who are good will be absorbed into the national squad. this is an opportunity for them to prove their worth. Our coaches are monitoring all players and those who are eligible will be called up to join the national squad,” he stated.

A total of 78 matches will be held across six selected venues, including the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, for the Jan 4-Feb 22 MHL. These matches are crucial for players aspiring to make it to the national team.

Sarjit also mentioned that the Speedy Tigers will begin training in early March in preparation for the Aug 27-Sept 7 Asia Cup in India. The national squad is also expected to compete in the 2025 Nations Cup in June, although the exact date is yet to be finalized.

“We will hold a meeting with the coaches to prepare the training programme for the national squad this year. For now, we are focusing on the Asia Cup. We will train in March and go on a Raya break for a week before resuming training,” he added.

The Speedy Tigers last played in September last year when they participated in the Asia Champions Trophy (ACT) tournament. They finished last after a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Japan in the classification playoff in Hulunbuir, China.