Speedy Tigers to go on tour of UK to prepare for 2022 Asia Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 15 -- The national men’s hockey squad will travel to London for the United Kingdom 2021 Tour series from Sept 19 to Oct 22 in preparation for next year’s Hockey Asia Cup.

National team management committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak sad the 23 players would join the tour which is aimed at preparing them for the Asian meet, which is also the qualifier for the 2023 Hockey World Cup.

He said the squad would comprise three goalkeepers, seven defenders, eight midfielders and five forwards. 

Among those included in the 23-player list are three Special Project Squad players - Muhammad Shafiq Hassan (defender), Shello Silverius and Muhammad Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal (both forwards).

“A total of 10 matches have been arranged for the national squad during their stay there, including four against club sides and six against the national teams of Ireland, Wales and France,” he said in a statement today.

He said national head coach A. Arulselvaraj would use the matches to evaluate the performances of his players.

According to the preliminary schedule, the Speedy Tigers are set to take on club sides Old Georgians on Sept 26; Surbiton HC (Sept 28); Hampstead & Westminster HC (Sept 29 ) and Beeston HC (Oct 1) before playing against the national teams of Ireland (Oct 5 and 6); Wales (Oct 9 and 12); and France (Oct 15 and 18). 

Following is the list of 23 players for the United Kingdom 2021 Tour series:

-- BERNAMA