Asian Games Update: Malaysia fall short of Asiad gold medal in 16th Asian Games men’s hockey Final
Malaysia has failed to create history, in the final of 16th Asian Games men’s hockey event at Guangzhou, against former Asian hockey super star, Pakistan.
Malaysia, the unbeaten team in the league matches was defeated by the Green-shirts, 0-2 and failed to cash its first ever maiden appearance in the final of Asiad. The dream of Malaysia, for earning a slot in London Olympics remained unfilled, due to losing the final game .Malaysian side displayed a lackluster performance in the final game and ruined the hopes of hockey fans, for first gold medal in the Asian Games .Malaysia after beating, favorites India, in a stunning game reached the final of Asiad first time since 1958. Malaysia in the way to the final, defeated Singapore with 3-0, drew the game against South Korea, defeated Oman with convincing 12-2, beat China with 4-2 and clinched triumph in the semi-final
against India with 4-3.
Malaysian squad, after achieving a historic feat, by appearing for the first time in the final, wanted to add another chapter to their history by obtaining a gold medal. However legendary drag flicker, Sohail Abbas, dashed the hopes of Malaysian players. Malaysia settled with silver medal, which is still their best achievement at Asiad out of 13 appearances. Malaysia had won six bronze medals, besides first silver in the Asian Games.Their players went into the field with eminent spirit; however they could not deliver impressive performance in the final.
Striking line of Malaysia, led by Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin, was completely failed particularly in the first half of the match. No single attack was carried out against the Green-shirts while Salman Akbar, the goal-keeper of Pakistan, was hardly tested in the first half. There was no such pressure on Malaysia in the game but they played the match like, non-hopers, which was quite surprising.Pakistan hockey team took the game under control, when veteran Rehan Butt, hit the ball from close range and marked second goal for his team. Malaysia earned three short corners in the 40th, 43rd and 61st minutes but they failed to capitalize due to poor flicks.
Malaysian skipper, Mohd Madzil Ikmar, along with Muhamad Amin Rahim and Muhammad Razie Abd Rahim, missed the penalty corners. Excluding Baljit Singh, all the Malaysian players shaved their heads, in hope of bringing good luck for the team but still it was useless. Malaysian Coach, Stephen Van Huizen said that they shaved their heads as a ‘nazar’, to prevent the team from evils spirits in the competition against
Pakistan. He said,
“I am disappointed with the performance of my players, who did not play well at all. We did not create any opportunity to score in the first half and we wasted three short corners in the second half.”It was crucial game of the tournament for them to add new chapter to the history of Malaysian hockey but they failed”
Huizen,describing the condition of the squad, said,
“It seemed that the players were tense in the game as they made many mistakes.”
Stephen Van Huizen maintained,
“Though I am feeling proud of our achievement, we are a little disappointed for not earning spot in the London Olympics.”
Another striker, Faisal Saari, commenting over the situation said,
“That it was disappointing to miss the gold; however they won the silver first time after six bronze medals, which is a positive sign of progress. Malaysia, failed to win the gold in the Asian Games but they improved their game as they defeated favorites India in the semi-final and drew a game against defending champion South Korea. This is good omen for Malaysia as their game is improving and this silver medal will surely boost up their morale for future competitions.”
Tags: