Speedy Tigers crush China to storm into Asian Games semi-finals
KUALA LUMPUR: National men’s hockey coach Brendon Carolan believes his men are more than ready for the Asian Games semi-finals after ending the group stage with a 5-0 demolition of China in Gifu today.
Gifu, Malaysia - National men's hockey coach Brendon Carolan expressed confidence in his team's readiness for the Asian Games semi-finals following their dominant 5-0 victory over China. The unbeaten Speedy Tigers secured a perfect 5-0 record in Group B, finishing with maximum points.
Malaysia will face either Japan or South Korea for a chance at the final on Thursday. Regardless of the opponent, Coach Carolan emphasized that his players are both physically prepared and motivated to give their best performance in the Games. World No. 14 Malaysia outplayed world No. 20 China, coached by Australian Anthony Farry, who made his coaching debut in November.
Key goals came from Fitri Saari, Akhimullah Anuar Esook, Ashran Hamsani, Faizal Saari, and Azrai Aizad Abu Kamal, with Faizal becoming Malaysia's top scorer with nine goals in the opening five matches.
Coach Carolan highlighted the importance of ensuring the players' well-being ahead of the semi-finals, focusing on rehabilitation, managing emotions, and maintaining peak physical condition. The ultimate goal for the Speedy Tigers remains the final, as winning the Asian Games would qualify them for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
- Thai boxer Focus reaches Asian Games semifinal in Japan khaosodenglish.com
- 'We were not calm enough': Pearly-Thinaah settle for Asian Games bronze nst.com.my
- Asian Games: Kitaguchi takes javelin silver, Japan goes 1-2 in hurdles mainichi.jp
- Who goes to semifinal if India vs Afghanistan Asian Games match is washed out? indianexpress.com
- Arshad Nadeem, Yasir Sultan set for Asian Games javelin throw final dailytimes.com.pk
- China teen blows away the field for record-setting Asian Games gold as Thailand's Puripol Boonson clinches sprint double channelnewsasia.com
