KUALA LUMPUR: The selectors opted for the experience of S. Kuhan and Mohd Amin Rahim in naming the final squad of 18 for the Olympic qualifying tournament in Kakamigahara, Japan, from April 5-13.
Utility Jiwa Mohan, who decided to quit the team in January but answered a call to help in the Malaysian cause, was also named as a defender in the team.
There were 32 players in the squad preparing for the qualifiers, including those who were injured. And defender Megat Azrafiq Megat Termidzi, who is still recovering from a shin injury he suffered in January, will not make the trip to Japan.
The Malaysia Hockey Federation (MHF) president, Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, in naming the final squad at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil yesterday, said that they still needed the services of Kuhan, Amin and Jiwa.
“They have vast experience and will be an asset to the team,” he said.
Kuhan and Amin were recalled to the national training squad last December after the country's top penalty corner flicker, Zulkifli Rejab, was forced out in November because of a knee injury. The duo were among the several seniors axed from the side after Malaysia's dismal performance in the 2006 Doha Asian Games.
The other defenders selected were Mohd Madzli Ikmar and Baljit Singh Charun.
Seasoned campaigner S. Kumar was named as the first choice goalkeeper. And for the reserve goalkeeper slot, Mohd Hanafi Hassan got the nod over Khairulnizam Ibrahim, who featured in the Champions Trophy last December. Khairulnizam was dropped because he injured his knee during the fitness test.
The only surprise inclusion was Ahmad Anuar Sham Kamar in midfield. He is in the team for the first time for a major tournament. Previously, he only got to go onplaying tours.
Mohd Anwar added that defenders Engku Abdul Malek Engku Mohamad and Baljit Singh Sarjab would also make the trip to Japan as reserves to cover for injuries to players in the final 18.
“We have an experienced side and our target is to reach the final,” he said.
The team will leave for Japan on Sunday and they will open their campaign against Poland on April 5. Malaysia's other matches are against Italy (April 6), two-time world champions Germany (April 8), Switzerland (March 10) and Japan (March 12).
The classification matches will be played on April 13.
The champions will take the last ticket to Beijing for a 12-team Olympic tournament in August.
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