The national trainees are briefed before the start of a training session yesterday. — Pic: MOHD YUSNI ARIFFIN TAI Beng Hai has passed his first test with flying colours as the national hockey coach.
NSC director general Datuk Zolkples Embong said the players are happy that Beng Hai is emphasising on fitness.
"This is a good response from the players and I hope Beng Hai will keep up his good work. Fitness is the most important factor to attain success in sports," said Zolkples yesterday.
"Teams like South Korea are successful because of their superior fitness. We are happy to have someone like Beng Hai pushing the players to the limits in training.
The April 6-12 tournament is Beng Hai's first major assignment and the Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) expects the team to, at least, make the final.
New Zealand, Pakistan, India and Egypt are the other teams in the event.
The Azlan Shah Cup result will give Beng Hai a clearer picture on where his players stand ahead of the Asia Cup in Dubai (May 8-15), where the champions will qualify automatically for the 2010 World Cup.
Meanwhile, the national team will be without several key players when they leave for a playing tour in South Korea on Saturday.
Key players -- S. Kumar, Sharun Nabil, Tengku Ahmad Tajuddin Abdul Jalil, Muhd Razie Rahim, Zulkifli Rejab and S.Selvaraju -- are among the 12 players left out.
Kumar is getting married on March 21 while Sharun's wife is expecting their first child on March 25.
The others are currently undergoing rehabilitation for various injuries.
The team will play seven matches against club and university teams. The tour ends on March 11.
