30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 - Men's Hockey International - Views & Facts...

Good Day to all my passionate readers, 

As previously mentioned that I will write some facts and views for the upcoming 30th edition of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024.

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an annual invitational international men's field hockey tournament held in Malaysia. It began in 1983 as a biennial contest. The tournament became an annual event after 1998, following its growth and popularity.

The 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be the 30th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, the annual men's invitational international field hockey tournament hosted by Malaysia. The tournament will return after a one-year hiatus after it was postponed in 2023 due to the packed hockey calendar and couldn’t get sufficient good teams to participate and opted out to host Indoor International event last year. It will be held at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia from 4 to 11 May 2024. The tournament will consist of six teams. 

The competitive edge of SASC event has dropped over the years compared to those days due to unavailability of the best and renowned teams to be part of this event. Many commented that SASC was close or better in standard than level of annual FIH Champions Trophy but due to clashing in dates with FIH Pro League and late in calling for entry could be the key reasons for the best teams not to be part of this annual SASC events.

The hosts Malaysia are the defending champions after winning their first title at the 2022 edition:

The following six teams will participate in the years tournament and some facts:

Team           Appearance     Last Appearance          Previous best performance

 Canada             10th                       2019                       4th (1995, 1999, 2019)

 Japan                6th                         2022                       4th (2022)

 Malaysia           30th                       2022                       1st (2022)

 New Zealand     18th                       2017                       1st (2012, 2015)

 Pakistan           22nd                      2022                       1st (1999, 2000, 2003)

 South Korea     22nd                      2022                       1st (1996, 2010, 2019)

 

Based on current world rankings – it is in this sequence as stated below:

New Zealand No 10

S Korea No 11

Malaysia No 13

Pakistan No 15

Japan No 16

Canada No 19

-   4 Asian Teams with NZ from Oceania & Canada from Pan AM. This quality of teams based on my view is not the best in the world hockey as the best teams (Aus, Belgium, Ned, India, Eng, Spain, Germany, Argentina, France, Ireland, are busy with their FIH Pro League and preparation towards European Championship and Paris Olympic Games.

Out of six teams, only New Zealand qualified to play in Paris Olympics Games and the rest 5 teams didn’t qualify in January FIH qualifications.

Overall, the failed teams to Olympics such as Korea, Canada, Malaysia undergoing massive changes in Coaching structure and style of play with looking beyond this tournament. But as for Pakistan & Japan, they started rebuilding since Tokyo Olympics and their work started showing some promising, as Japan is heading for podium in 2026 Nagoya Asian Games. Currently, Pakistan is undergoing some hiccups due to 2 federations infighting who is the sole governing body that manages hockey affairs in Pakistan but believe their current team average age below 25 under Roelant did show some positive impact at 2023 SOJC, 2023 Junior World Cup, 2023 Asian Games and 2024 FIH Olympic qualifications. In years to come and this Pakistan team will be ready for 2025 & 2026 hockey calendar especially the 2028 LA Olympics cycle.

Back to us as the host, I believe the previous Coaching structure has done some great progress and pushed some changes but the results wasn’t on their side especially for not winning the promised gold in 2023 Asian Games and qualifying to Paris Olympics.

This Malaysian Team in SASC2024, should at least finish as medalist even though we are the defending Champions. The team has a massive experience player and most players has many International Caps who has played at high level of big events and also bringing the silver medalist H5s players to the team indirectly brings more quality.

For sure the previous regime has uplifted the conditioning and strength of team as so much work has been put till January 2024 this year before the TNBMHL2024 and believe fitness would never be an issue and for sure the new regime has imposed high quality training schedules and the players are working very hard on & off the field to bring success in the coming SASC24.

In terms of experience and fitness no excuses for this team to perform in front of the Ipoh ardent hockey fans and always without fail all Malaysian match it is fully packed and stand's behind the Malaysian team. 

Anything finishing 4^th and below will not indicate a good start for this Malaysian team because the next important assignment after SASC24 will be FIH Nation Cup where South Africa, Ireland and France will be providing greater competitive and challenge.

Both these events will allow Malaysia to improve our sliding world ranking and the Importance level for SASC24 is at 2 & FIH Nation Cup importance will be 3.

Malaysian Schedule:

4^th May vs Pakistan; 5^th May vs Canada; 7^th May vs NZ; 8^th May vs Japan & 10^th May vs Korea as all matches at 8.30pm – 11^th May is the classification day.

The first 2 games against Pak & Canada will determine where we finish and we cannot afford to lose both this matches as the next 3 – NZ, Jpn, Korea will be tougher.

Wishing the Malaysian Men’s Hockey Team, the very best in the SASC24 and go for the podium finish.

Godspeed.

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

P/S – There were rumors' that I was offered to be the next CEO or General Manager and the word was circulating around that I didn’t accept that post, by the way, this rumor's are not true because in the first place there wasn’t any such offer for me to decide or decline. But was offered to be a member of MHC Coaching Committee but declined due to some reasons. Just to clear the air and doubts surrounding the hockey fraternity.

MALAYSIAN HOCKEY - WHAT IS THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE?

MALAYSIAN HOCKEY - WHAT IS THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE?

Happy New Year everyone, and apology as been busy with matters and today decided to write a piece.

Its another cycle now after failing to Paris Olympics and again there will be no Jalur Gemilang and we all the hockey fraternity will be just a mere spectator on the tv screen and supporting other nations in the coming Paris Olympic Games.

After placing 6^th in Asian Games & 12^th in Junior World Cup with Men sliding to 13 & Women at 23, there were hue & cry with loud hooo-haaa and massive turnaround and post mortem will be conducted and find out why we failed but finally the following was the reasons:

1.   The Olympic Qualification must be change and more slots for Asia & increase the number of teams was the root of the problem on why we didn’t qualify to Paris Olympics.

2.    Change the Coaching Setup – means the Coaches failed and new batch of Coaches are appointed. So the whole Nation accepted the reason why we failed but not the current ecosystem.  

3   The caretaker said that they never failed based on the interviews and statements over the years.

My view – so far what is done is only a cosmetic-changes without any bold decision or solutions are implemented for the coming new cycle towards 2026 World Cup in Bel/Ned & 2028 LA Olympics with the ultimate 2026 Nagoya Asian Games with 2025 & 2027 JWC cycle for men & women hockey. The indoor games in Asia Cup in May will be ultimate where we stand as my Iran will be Champions and another slot fight will be between Kazak, Thailand & Malaysia with Indonesian being the spoilers. On the H5s – after Oman WC, this event is only a complementary or supplementary to indoor & outdoor and my view it will be a natural death in years to come.

Now back to our main topic. The Senior Team will be having 3 key events this year – SASC2024, FIH Nation Cup in which both is in next month and another one the Asian Champions Trophy will be held later part of the year.

As for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup – my view we should at least finish as a medalist or podium finish as we are defending Champions & weak teams are invited except for New Zealand who will be using this event as part of Paris Olympics selection. Will write soon before the SASC event - a target must be set to create motivation and some pressure to achieved results - no target setting indicates low esteem and sitting at crossroads without knowing the depth of the strength of the team. We must set targets for every event that we are participating even though is low but it must be realistic and measurable. 

As for the FIH Nation Cup we are placed in pool B which is easier to make it to SF and in SF will determine whether we will play in Finals or 3/4 placing. Previously we were runners up in the last edition and the Champions gets a promotion to play in the FIH Pro League next edition. I am a great believer that Malaysia must play in Pro League to advance in World Hockey map again and to be one of the contenders as a powerhouse in world hockey. We should at least finish top 3 here and anything 4^th onwards will consider as we failed the mission.

The Asian Champions Trophy we should be making the finals as only India will be our key competitor.

Many hockey lovers and former internationals called and chat about our future and as I said the success of the senior team is always dependent on the cycle of junior teams. If we see the last 3 JWC cycles – 2016, 2021 & 2023 – the overall performances were mediocre even we finished 8^th in 2021 edition due to withdrawal from top nations due to Covid19.

But yet, till today – the JWC 2025 (Malaysian U20) & 2027 (Malaysian U18), no any periodization plan & coaching structure is in-placed as the similar mistakes will be repeated again. Been following with other top Nations where most of them has established teams for next JWC cycles and participating big tournaments especially India/Japan/Pakistan and other European teams playing in Europe U18 & Europe U21.

On the women aspect – my view we are still at participating level and adding the numbers level not medalist as at Asia Level we will never break the top 4 regime based on our current ecosystem and periodization plan which is very ineffective. The best is finishing top 5 in 2026 Asian Games as Thailand is narrowing the gap with us and qualify to JWC as merit and not as replacement due to last minute withdrawals.

Another interesting aspect is the Road to 2026 World Cup, where the slots are not divided to Continental previously and the breakdown is as the followings – Bel/Ned as Host, 5 Continental Champions - so 7 taken left with 9 – 2 venue of Qualifiers (8+8) and if we not careful or having a strong periodization plan for our team we may missed this world cup. Just highlighting before its happen because till now I do not see a proper short & long-term plan for our journey towards being in top 10 and better prospects to qualify for LA28 with winning 2026 Nagoya Asian Games.  

My view LA28 we will be a very tough journey to qualify and I have my own reasons and will write about it when time permits.

Thank you, all the readers, for visiting my blog as often as possible and it already hit above 150,000 times even not writing often but will try my level best to do so.

Just a small advice before I pen down…

It is an acknowledgement of failure. The first step towards correcting your wrongs is to admit that you have failed. Once you can admit that you have failed that will (or should) lead to more honesty. It should lead to more self-criticism and self-awareness…

Best Regards everyone…

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

Former Malaysian Hockey International

*Malaysian Hockey - What's Next? Big Storm Waiting Ahead*

 *Malaysian Hockey - What's Next? Big Storm Waiting Ahead*

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

Former International & Sec Gen of MHC

After the disband announcement for which many are seeking what is after this decision. The MHC had the election for next term before the FIH Olympics Qualification and not many changes in the Executive Board (Office Bearers for 24/27) and as for the President it will be his last term constitutionally as max 3 terms. 

Few weeks ago, all the Chairman of portfolios were announced and still pending the first Executive Board meeting (most likely soon) to endorse many decisions. 

For sure the spotlight will be on the Coaching Committee. Many will wait and see whether something different and better methodology will be used to appoint Coaches for the short-term and long-term targets as we know the following events are critical such as:

- Sultan Azlan Shah Cup & FIH Nations Cup in 3 months time. Lucky for Women no events.

- AHF Junior Asia Cup in December 

- Sea Games - 2025 Thailand 2027 Msia

- Asian Games - 2026 Nagoya 2028 Doha

- CG 2026 & 2028

- JWC 2025, 2027 & 2029

- FIH World Cup Qualification in Jan 2026

- FIH Olympics Qualification in Jan 2028

- FIH Mens World Cup in 2026 hosted by Ned & Belgium - will write soon on the system of qualification

- 2028 LA Olympics & 2032 Brisbane Olympics 

- Indoor WC & AHF Cup 

- Hockey 5s cycle

- Annual Sultan Johor Cup

- We need to play in FIH Pro League in years to come when the team is at the strongest point. If you realise all Pro League teams qualified for Olympics because their level is extraordinary compared to team ranked 11 and above.

Therefore, what we do now and what decision will have direct repercussions on the results to come and where we stand in world hockey for men & women at all levels.

Back to the key topic - Coaching Committee.

My view and suggestions. 

The composition of CC - max 6 members:

- Chairman, 1 Former Coach (who knows modern game), 1 Former International (strong knowledge about world hockey), 1 Sports Scientist (manage periodization plan), 1 Coach Educator (review latest syllabus & calendar of courses locally with FIH Courses) & 1 Technology Officer and add on the following as ex-officio:

- Chairman of National Team Management, TD of NHDP, Head of MSSM, Head of Sports University, Principal of National Sports School & Coaches. 

- A working Sec to be appointed to manage the administrative and reporting aspects.

On the suggestion of National Teams setup, my view the following must be done:

- New National Senior Team - players below 25 is a priority and few seniors for Nagoya as many are above 30 not to be considered.

- Women is a young team - Nagoya 2026 and the only issue is a high turnover after marriages and child birth and lack of good young Coaches for long-term.

- Must established Senior Team B (Development Squad) as there 35 players from 2016, 2021 & 2023 JWC teams must be called in to be part of this team to impose some competitive edge to Senior A team.

- Project Squads for both M&W as follows:

2025 JWC - players age 19 - Full time 

2027 JWC players age 17 - Quarterly for this year but next year fulltime

2029 JWC players age 15 - Kem Bakat & Holiday Camps

- Indoor - must be full time as we could qualify to FIH Indoor WC as 2 slots for Asia and we can beat Kazakhstan as Iran is tough. Also Sea Games there are medals contention.

- H5s - 2 months before the event.

LA Olympics my view we would not qualify there because US has taken a slot - the composition 1 Host, 5 Continental Champions left 6 slots and when a minnows host Olympics our chances is very narrow and best best is 2032 Brisbane Olympics but what we do know is important. We need 6-8 years plan to close the gap as last 9 years damage is too big and even some say that we are in a state of "beyond repair"

Q - We need the following number of Coaches based on the above plan:

- Outdoor - 5 Teams x M & W - 20 Coaches

- Indoor - 2 Teams - 4 Coaches

- H5s - 2 Teams - 4 Coaches

Additional need 4 dedicated Goalkeeper Coaches.

Technically - need over all 32 Coaches. But for the last 9 years no Coaching Development was done to expose young talented Coaches to understand International Hockey and currently we lack good local Coaches with International knowledge because we were too dependent on foreign experts for too long and no transfer of knowledge from foreign to local to spearhead the future 

The selection of Coaches my suggestion:

- By a panel which is independent to shortlist candidates and recommend to CC

- Allocation of Budget - define salaries and contracts 

- Terms of Contract & KPI of Coaches must be binding and burden & equitable payment must be included - not after making money after 2/3 years and say thank you for the benefits without progress and achievement.

- Selected Candidates to provide brief idea in writing of their Action Plan to achieve the Master Plan objectives.

- Conduct Open Interview - Local Application as no need for Foreign 

- Panel recommends Coaches on a ranking basis

The panel must look at the following criteria in the selection process:

- Publish the Criteria on Website & Social Media - everyone must be given a chance not hand picked.

The key prerequisite for selection:

- FIH Level Qualification

- Sports Science Qualification

- Experience - 5-10 years and must have handled National Team 

- Success Profile - List of Achievement & weighted based on handling National Teams

- Technology - know how & experience

- Tactical & Training Methodology - state the adapted and current taking account of changing phases of hockey

- Working Experience with Support Team - Conditioning, Strength, Sports Scientist, Tech, Dietician & Psychologist.

We really hope that the right person in the right position is appointed and wishing all the stakeholders the very best in your appointment and there are big challenges ahead awaiting but all hockey fraternity is watching closely what steps are taken and what need ideas are to be implemented.

Have a great weekend folks.

Thanks for your undivided support and reading my blog as often as possible and apology as I have not been writing for a while except for tweeting when time permits.

God bless Malaysian Hockey and Godspeed...

*Maninderjit Singh (Mike)*

*Former International & Sec Gen of MHC*

FIH OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION – MALAYSIAN MEN’S CHANCES AND KEY ELEMENTS THAT REQUIRES ATTENTION TO BE IN PARIS OLYMPICS…

FIH OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION – MALAYSIAN MEN’S CHANCES AND KEY ELEMENTS THAT REQUIRES ATTENTION TO BE IN PARIS OLYMPICS…

There are two doors to Paris Olympics. One was an easier door (Asian Games) but we failed and now to next door - FIH Olympics Qualification, combination of 16 teams each gender to fight for the last 6 slots.

The teams allocated to their respective venues, please find hereafter the composition of the Pools (A and B) for each FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifier:

The top-3 men’s and women’s teams from each venue will qualify for the Olympics based on their classification at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers 2024.

After the round robin matches in the pool stage, the top two teams in each pool will qualify for the semi-finals. The winning semi-finalists will be assured of a top-2 finish and qualify for the Olympic Games, while the losing semi-finalists will play the bronze medal match with the winner of that match also securing their ticket to Paris 2024.

Women

Valencia, Spain

Pool A: Belgium, Korea, Ireland, Ukraine

Pool B: Great Britain, Spain, Canada, Malaysia

 

Ranchi, India

Pool A: Germany, Japan, Chile, Czech Republic

Pool B: India, New Zealand, United States, Italy

 

Men

Valencia, Spain

Pool A: Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Ukraine

Pool B: Spain, Korea, Austria, Egypt 

 

Muscat, Oman

Pool A: Great Britain, Malaysia, Pakistan, China

Pool B: Germany, New Zealand, Canada, Chile

 

As for Malaysian Women, I believe this event will just be an exposure and do a situational analysis to gauge the standards against the world best. I think the best Malaysia Women could finish is 7^th in Valencia Qualifications.  Also, must be aware that there will be world rankings in play and every defeat or win/draw will have an implication on our rankings.

For the Men’s, as predicted before the announcement we are placed in a tough qualification in Muscat compare to Valencia is easier where Korea and Japan will have a good chance.

In Muscat, GB & Germany will finish top 3 and qualify to Paris Olympics. Last slot battle will be between New Zealand, Malaysia, Pakistan and Canada. Chile & China will be the spoilers in the both of the groups.

My view, Malaysia key obstacles will be Pakistan as they’re an improved side and beat us in the recent Asian Games Hangzhou by 5-2. Fore sure Pakistanis are also keen to steal points and get to SF for a chance to Paris Olympics.

Malaysia first key objective must make the semifinals. Then big battle against Germany in SF and mountain to climb. The other SF will be NZ vs GB. Only concern don’t NZ beat GB as they have a good record against GB. There could be a possible upset. If it happens, then 3/4^th will be GB vs Msia. Hoping for NZ in 3&4 where we have an equal chance to Paris Olympics. For the record in 2023 World Cup we have beaten NZ with 3-2 and won against Pak 3-1 in recent Asian Champions Trophy.

My view that the key areas that Malaysian Men teams that need to improve and focus are on the followings which is our most glaring weakness during the 2023 World Cup where we finish second last and then runners up in ACT and finally, one of the worst Asian Games – 6^th placing after losing to Korea, draw against China and defeat against Pak which saw we slide to 12^th in world hockey rankings and this forced the RTG to expel the team out of the program which I disagree as the panel should have hold the decision till end January 2023.

The areas of concern.

Goalkeeping – we still lack the stability and need a reliable consistency GK to keep the team in a match.

Penalty Corner Attack (PCA) – based on the calculations our PCA is very low hitting about 11-13% which means we need 6 to 7 PC to score a goal whereas the top nations their PCA ratio is about 25-30% - average every 3 PC a goal and depends on how many PC obtained. If 6-8 PC, they will score 2 or 3 goals to win the match as this is the right standards.

Penalty Corner Defense (PCD) – our average is 40-55% which means when top teams get average of 3 or 4 PC, they are able to score a goal. A good PCD ratio should be more than 60%.

Consistency in every quarter - we choose to play well either one or 2 quarters but to excel in international hockey, performance in every quarter is a prerequisite to obtain results.

Need to improve our diagonal attacking mini flicks to baseline (two push out areas left & right) as the 5m ruling is an advantage to the attackers and possession is the attacking D which creates massive attempt of scoring. Most top teams have mastered these attacking skills but we still yet to do so more frequently that one off or twice in a match.

We do well from BOD till 75m line but once in 23m attacking we lack the formation and combination of attackers to break the double defense team especially the T-Point entry of both sides. We need more creativity and usage of 3D skills and switching of TOP between sides. This area will indicate our Total Circle Penetration which leads to number of PC and Shot at Goal that finally will be the outcome of the match – no point having a high possession of play but didn’t get any results.

Another concern is the quality of bench depth as in modern hockey a rolling substitution program where 3 to 5 players are change in every 3-5 mins of play. When changes take place, realize the tempo and quality dips, therefore bench players quality must be the same with first eleven.

We have to avoid chasing matches syndrome (always going down against the opponent and never been commanding even with a weaker teams).

We need 3 or 4 style of play with unpredictable formation if we want to excel and or win matches at international hockey. Spoken to many great Coaches, they said that Malaysian style of play is a very predictable one which allow opponents to take advantage as now we know most teams are using sports code Version 12 to breakdown the pattern and framework of segments and analyzing the weaknesses and strength of each team.

And another note – vital element that is going to be crucial in the coming FIH Olympics Qualification is the readiness and confidence of team to execute power-play when needed as my view we lack the trust and confidence in the set up on execution of such play when it matters most.

We need 8 players to be prepared to take Penalty Shoot-Out and this element will take place and will decide our fate in January soon. Therefore, more emphasize must be given to power-play and shoot-out till we mastered it.

Penalty Card Management – been seen that over 3 tournaments this year (2023 WC, ACT and Asian Games), average we are getting about 5 greens and 4 yellow cards where we play with less of players on the field average of 5 to 8 minutes pro rate per match. The emotional intelligence must be trained and controlled anger management among players must be addressed and assisted. The team must also undergo a drill when playing with less one or 2 players and how to manage the situation tactical with proper damage control methodology.

And I also disagree with the National Team touring to NZ as I believe NZ will be our main opponent for us to be in Paris Olympics. We should avoid this mind game among coaches and players and preferably a tour to Muscat to test the ground and understand the environment and get another 2 or 3 nations to play a 4 or 3 Nations at the venue will be more meaningful and provide greater test and benefit prior to main event.

Another biggest setback in the preparation is that about 10 players are injured and undergoing rehabilitation. Hope all will recover in time.

The Weather in Muscat in January is going to be between 17-25 degree Celsius and it will be cool and nice for teams to perform at their best.

Anyway, wishing the Malaysian Hockey Team the very best and have a good preparation towards to January Olympic Qualification and its now or never to be back in Olympics since 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Godspeed…

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)

Former International

 

  

MALAYSIAN MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM – SCENARIOS & CHANCES FOR FIH OLYMPICS QUALIFICATION

MALAYSIAN MEN’S HOCKEY TEAM – SCENARIOS & CHANCES FOR FIH OLYMPICS QUALIFICATION

Apology to all my dedicated readers for not writing for sometime and was only tweeting views.

Firstly, we failed miserably in the 19^th Asian Games after so many promises and hype that we will win the Gold and be in Paris 2024.

Prior to Asian Games, Arena called for an interview which was just 40 days away to Gold, raised many pertinent & prerequisite points for us to win the Gold. As usual even the Head Coach rebutted the points and it happened based on the valid points raised.

For those who are not aware of the interview, please click the link below and understand it well.

 https://x.com/astroarena/status/1691055063954063361?s=46&t=d48PnX2pOfqXiivX2RTAsw

We created history by finishing 6^th after losing to ill prepared and young Pakistan team without any proper plan and lack of funds but they had the determination and the will to win that match.

Overall, in the past 8 years, we have been sliding badly and couldn’t keep up with the competitive edge in world hockey. Even winning Sultan Azlan Shah Cup last year is not the true reflection of the success as all the invited teams are below par and it makes us easy to lift the trophy.

Even in the recent FIH Hockey World Cup 2023, we finished No 13 which is second last among the 16 teams as that is the real indication where we stand in world hockey as the 10^th ranking is an artificial testament because people do not understand the tabulations and new ranking methodology was only introduced in 2020 but due to Covid19 many events were postponed and ratio or number of matches among teams wasn’t equitable. The real reality check of the rankings will be known after Paris Olympics.

And even suggested to host 2023 SASC in Nov as this will allow us to be well prepared for FIH Olympics Qualification in January 2024 but they decided to postpone it with the reason that wanted to organize indoor events.

Now let’s look what is in store in January 2024 FIH Olympics Qualification:

The Process:

Spain’s Valencia will host one of the two men’s qualifying tournaments while the other will be held in Oman’s Muscat instead of Lahore in Pakistan.

Each Paris 2024 hockey qualifying tournament will feature eight teams and the top three teams from each of these FIH qualifying tournaments will make the cut for the Paris 2024 Games. A total of 12 teams per gender will play at the Summer Games next year.

The seedings and teams for the Olympic qualifiers will be determined after the end of all the continental championships taking place in 2023.

The winners of the men’s hockey tournaments at the five continental championships qualify directly for Paris 2024.

See image below:

 

Have suggested many times to bid for the Olympic Qualification rather than any other international events but they bid for Junior World Cup 2023 which is meaningless as we needed Qualification event such as Paris Olympics Qualification which the bid was open late Dec last year. But anyway, suddenly we realized when Pakistan withdrawal and Oman is substituted as we didn’t submit our bid when it was open last Dec/Jan 22/23. Oman was first standby.

We have targeted to play in Semifinal in 2023 KL Junior World Cup and will write about where we will finish in the next article when time permits.

Let’s get back to the Qualification.

Since we lost/draw 3 matches in a row against under ranked teams like China, Korea & Pakistan, we now stand at 12^th placing in world rankings and left with 2 more Continental Championships – Africa & Pan Am.

With that, we could already make about 80% of assumptions where we will play and who will be in our group.

 

Valencia               Muscat

Belgium                Great Britain

Spain                     Germany

Korea                    New Zealand

Ireland                  Malaysia

Canada/Jpn        Jpn/Canada

Pak/Egypt           Egypt/Pak

Austria                  China

Ukraine                Chile

 

Then the above 8 in each venue will be divided into 2 pools with SF & Finals with 3/4 placing and other classifications.

 

Based on the above details, then the grouping in Muscat, Oman will be the followings:

 

A                                             B

Great Britain                       Germany

Malaysia                              New Zealand

Jpn/Canada                        Pak/Egypt

Chile                                      China

 

It will be a Great Britain & Germany Finals.

Left last slot – 3^rd placing – it will be a fight between New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan or Canada, Pakistan or Egypt with Chile & China playing the spoilers in the pool matches.

Not easy to beat New Zealand in the Qualifiers.

Malaysia needs to get into semifinals and tough crossover Germany awaits and 3/4 placing awaits NZ which will be the decider.

And strange, the team is travelling to New Zealand in December for some international matches, suggest to not play as NZ will be your opponent and they may use their 2^nd team or rotate key players and the pool for qualification will be announced in mid Nov and don’t then you are caught in catch 22 situation.

And due to last minute planning, its tough to get any international matches as FIH Pro League commences soon.

Anyway, this piece is written to give the custodians and hockey lovers to understand the processes and where we may play and against who with the difficult pathway to Paris Olympics.

We had an easier door via Asian Games but we failed miserably after 2 years of preparation and many foreign consultants and easily spent close to 5 to 7 million but we only managed to finish 6^th in Asian Games and currently ranked 12^th in the World Hockey. Soon we may be 13-14 after Africa & Pan Am.

After the failure in the Asian Games, many were saying & pushing for changes but its not fair as we only have 2 months to FIH Qualification and it should be retained as we don’t have the luxurious time to make any amend.

If we failed in FIH Qualification in January 2024, then we are doomed as this team with more than 2300 International Caps and aging players, I believe this will be their “Last Dance”.

Wishing the very best to our Malaysian Hockey Team and hoping we will be in Paris Olympics.

Godspeed…

P/S 

– As Women Hockey, we finish better than men in Asian Games and the best that we could achieve is to play in the FIH Olympics Qualifications to gain exposure as we have a very slim chance to qualify to Paris Olympics. We will struggle as playing against the world best…

- Todays start the one of the Premier Domestic Hockey Tournament - Tun Abdul Razak Cup as no any National Senior & Junior players and Hockey 5s players are allowed to play, then it will be low key and poor in standard. It may be similar to Sukma Games with some retired aging players playing. It used to be a key tournament for hockey players to be selected to National Teams but not anymore as is organised to fulfill the yearly hockey calendar.  

TNBMHL23 & it's Future!

Congratulations to THT & Negeri Sembilan for winning treble and creating the history. 

Normally, after every MHL, there should be a post-mortem not to address the organisation aspect (we are known for best in organising events) but on how to improve the quality and increasing the domestic competitiveness to churn high quality international players, Coaches, TO and Umpires.

There must be new innovative ideas on how to enhance the League standards in which would be close to EHL standards. Might be privatising the League could be a good idea but this idea needs proper brainstorming and defining the duties and responsibilities between parties is a prerequisite prior to privatision.

On Coaching segment of MHL teams, there is a need for this Coaches to be updated with latest training methodology and modern hockey of play with sports science and usage of technology to make informed and real time decision. Most Coaches are playing the similar tactical and structure from start till the end of the League. This Coaches needs more exposure and Courses conducted by top renowned coaches.

The glaring tactical issues during MHL..

1. Lack the idea in PC Attack 

2. No variation in structural of play in each match

3. Most teams lack depth in bench

4. Goalkeeping aspect still poor

5. Similar play in all 4 quarters

6. No sheet on rolling subs timing

7. Depended too much on National Senior players to perform

8. Fitness strength was poor as rest in between a day is insufficient due to back to back.

9. Some players are overweight

10. Most teams played the same structure and pattern which easy to counter and not many of variations was implemented.

Overall the big top 3 - THT, TNB and Maybank overides the poor bottom 5 teams - NurInsafi, UiTM, Young Tigers, ATM and TNB Thunderbolt who are just in for participation and some teams should just play at state leagues.

Even at women segments, the gap is too wide between teams and which 2 teams KPT Uniten & N Sembilan are dominant due to engaging 7-9 National players. Women League needs a total overhaul and proper short and long-term approach.

 To certain extent, the Young Tigress did well and improved by matches. Young Tigers team needs serious soul searching as left with 7 months towards JWC 23 in KL which target is Semifinals.

It was a good idea to have both this teams to play in MHL23 as a team and allow the Coaches and support team to gauge the strength and weaknesses of the team.

The Organiser needs to:

1. Post-mortem - on quality and future

2. Rules - no away goal decision if playing same venue

3. More new teams - tough as we lack large pool of talented players anymore

4. Video Referral for all matches not only for Live.

5. More matches at League level min 3 rounds with 3 months event

6. Reduce Foreign players (just 2) to allow priority given to local talent but National player on the field should be unlimited - not 6 combined rules.

8. More Teams must give employment rather than playing contracts to stir the interest of other young players to play in MHL.

9. Quality & Pool of Umpires need to be enhanced and only about 6-8 good umpires we have at this juncture.

10. There is a need for MHL Div 2 to be the incubator and a stepping stone for small clubs to grow.

11. To have defined dates of MHL for 2024 & 2025 for teams to be well prepared and managing their budget & sponsorship.

12. Certain teams do not deserve to play in Premier League due to lack of competitiveness.

13. Demerit points to be reviewed depends on how many matches or round of league.

We hope the Organiser would take some suggestions and move forward to make our Malaysian Hockey League as one of the best Leagues in World hockey.

All stakeholders must look into these matters with an open heart with the interest of the sports...

We want Malaysian hockey to achieve the best in years to come and we have all the support and resources to do so.

Malaysia Boleh...

WHERE TO WATCH LIVE - 2023 FIH MENS HOCKEY WORLD CUP

The 2023 Men's FIH Hockey World Cup will be the 15th edition of the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's national field hockey teams organized by the International Hockey Federation. It will be held at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar and at the under-construction 20,000 seat Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela, India from 13 to 29 January 2023.

THERE IS 2 CATEGORIES - PARTICIPATING NATION & NON PARTICIPATING NATIONS.

AS FOR MALAYSIA, IT WILL BE SHOWN ON ASTRO AS OFFICIAL BROADCASTER, BUT STILL PENDING THE LIVE SCHDELUE FROM ASTRO WHICH MATCHES WILL BE SHOWN LIVE...

SEE BELOW THE IMAGES....

Wishing our Malaysian Team the very best...

Have fun folks...

Maninderjit Singh (Mike)