The best for Azlan Shah

01/05/08

MALAYSIA will open accounts against Pakistan in the 17th Azlan Shah Cup which will be held in Ipoh, from May 8-18.
Pakistan, New Zealand, Belgium and Canada are the teams which have qualified for the Beijing Olympics, while Malaysia, Argentina and India will only be in the Cup as sparring partners.
National coach Sarjit Singh said he will select the best available, as many of his charges picked up injuries after the failed Japan Olympic Qualifiers.
"Being the hosts, naturally, we want to do our best in the Azlan Shah Cup. But since many of my players were injured after Japan, I might have to select a few from the back-up squad," said Sarjit.
And his target in this tournament is: "I want to see the players improve their game in every match. This is very important as we start preparations to do well in the Asia Cup next year.
"I don’t want to go through qualifiers anymore, as it is best we book the next world cup ticket at the Asia Cup itself.
The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) have indicated that the Asia Cup might be held in Malaysia next year. The tour nament offers direct entry into the 2010 New Delhi World Cup.