Former India hockey coach sees Malaysia as a threat

KUALA LUMPUR: Former India hockey coach V. Baskaran believes Malaysia could be a formidable threat to challenge the defending champions India at the upcoming Asian Games in Japan next month. Baskaran singled out Malaysia, Pakistan and South Korea as the three teams capable of contending with India. However, he emphasized that there are no clear favorites for the Asian Games.

Twelve teams will participate in the men's competition, with India placed in Group A alongside Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Group B includes Pakistan, Malaysia, China, Oman, Uzbekistan and Thailand. Baskaran noted that any of these teams could emerge victorious.

Pakistan forwards have been impressive at the ongoing World Cup, but Japan, who participated in the World Cup, were lackluster. China, despite not participating in the World Cup, is renowned for their fitness and may pose a threat to other teams. Baskaran suggested that Malaysia has a chance to reach the semi-finals, but they need to enhance their defense.

Baskaran also pointed out that India underperformed at the World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands, where they were supposed to aim for a top four finish. At the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, South Korea and China qualified for the semi-finals, while Malaysia finished sixth, losing to Pakistan 5-2.