Speedy Tigers face tough Olympic qualifiers after Asiad final defeat
KUALA LUMPUR: The wait to feature in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics looks to be out of reach for the Speedy Tigers after failing to win Asian Games gold.
The Malaysian men's hockey team, the Speedy Tigers, are facing a difficult road to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following their disappointing defeat in the Asian Games final. Brendon Carolan's men were unable to secure gold against world-ranked No. 8 India in Gifu, Japan, losing 5-1 in the final. This marks the third time Malaysia has reached the Asiad final, with previous silver medals in 2010 and 2018.
Eight-time Olympic champion India is among the three teams to have already qualified for the LA Olympics, alongside the hosts United States and FIH Pro League champions Belgium.
Maninderjit Singh, a former Olympian and World Cup player, criticized the team's goalkeeping and penalty corner defense, suggesting they lacked power play effectiveness when trailing. Malaysia, currently ranked 14th globally, will participate in the Olympic qualifier starting in March 2028. The top two teams from each qualifier will advance to the Olympics.
Malaysia last competed in the Olympics in 2000, and if the aging squad persists, they may have to wait until the 2032 Brisbane Games. The biggest uncertainty surrounding the national team is whether players will still be available in 2028 or if the Malaysian Hockey Confederation will develop a new roster. The team returned from Japan on Monday, with their club fixtures resuming in the second round of the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), which runs from December 1 to December 6.
Additionally, the national team's participation in the six-nations Asian Champions Trophy in India from October 27 to November 5 will further impact their club availability.
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.
