KUALA LUMPUR − The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) certainly know how to appreciate hard work and dedication, judging by the Special Recognition Award presented to the Malaysian Tigress at the ongoing Women’s Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Donghae, South Korea.
The award is in appreciation of the Malaysian Tigress’ dedication, effort, willingness and cooperation in taking part in the tournament despite them having had to call off their first two matches in the six-team championship − against China and India − after Nurul Faezah Shafiqah Khalim tested positive for Covid-19.
“It has been a tough week for the Malaysian team, who have prepared extremely hard for months and travelled to Donghae for the women’s ACT.
“Due to the current uncertain situation, the Malaysian team were unable to play on the first and second day of the tournament,” the AHF said in a statement today.
On December 5, the national team’s opening match against China had to be called off after Nurul Faezah was confirmed to be Covid-19 positive after undergoing a swab test upon the team’s arrival in Donghae on November 29, which led to the entire team being quarantined since December 1.
The Malaysian Tigress, who also missed their second match against India yesterday, will face Japan tomorrow, South Korea on Thursday and Thailand on Saturday.
The national squad’s best achievement in the championship was a bronze medal finish in the 2013 edition. In 2018, they finished fourth. – Bernama, December 7, 2021