KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) targets a top-two finish for the National women’s team at the 2026 Asian Games.
In order to achieve this goal six years from now, MHC has introduced the Young Tigress team, which will enter the Malaysian Hockey League (MHL) Women’s 2021 competition from January 14 to February 20.
MHC President, Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said that the formation of this team is to provide opportunities to young talented players who have been playing in the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) and the Razak Cup but were not selected for the National women’s team.
“The Young Tigress Team is to provide these competitive platforms for young players who may in many ways find their paths leading to the national team.
“This team will be fully sponsored by MHC and we will give the best in terms of support and exposure to this young team. We already have the men’s junior team as the second team for the senior team and this Young Tigress will be the second team for the women’s national team.
“The women’s team have a lot of potential to do well in the 2026 Asian Games, which we target a top-two finish. But to achieve the target, we need to send our best team,” said Subahan.
Meanwhile, the Young Tigress team will be coached by A. Kannagi, a former national player and she will be assisted by Roshin Nordin, Mohamad Sabri Mohamad and Team Manager, Mohammad Nazrin Yahya.
Kannagi said that the team consists of players who are between 18 to 22 years old and they come from the Bukit Jalil Sports School (BJSS), Women’s Special Project Squad and from the Razak Cup.
Kannagi will also have 5 players from the senior team when they play in the MHL.
“I want the senior players in the team so that they can boost the confidence of the young players and help them be a team because they all come from different parts of the country.
However, when asked what she thinks of her appointment as the head coach, Kannagi said that it was the proudest moment for her because there has not been a women head coach before.
“My appointment should make way for the other former players who still want to contribute to hockey,” she said.
The first training session will take place on December 28 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil. – The Vibes, December 21, 2020.
