Once again, Malaysia has made it on to the world stage with our national hockey team, the Speedy Tigers, making its way to India to vie for the coveted FIH Odisha Men’s World Cup 2023 trophy. Currently ranked 11th as of Dec 2022, this will be Malaysia’s ninth appearance at the World Cup since the 70’s and this will be the first time the nation has qualified three times consecutively.
Part of the 20-strong team are Maybank’s very own players - Meor Mohd Azuan Hassan (Midfielder), Mohd Razie Rahim (Defender & Flicker), Muhammad Najmi Farizal Jazlan (Defender & Flicker), Mohamad Ashran Hamsani (Midfielder), Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi (Forward), as well as Azrul Effendy (Assistant Head Coach). This is the third time that Maybank players have been called up to the national team for the World Cup.
Maybank’s story with hockey
Maybank has long been advocating for local athletes. Understanding that pursuing a career in sports is all-consuming, Maybank’s Sports Development programme was mooted with the aim of supporting talented and driven individuals; allowing them to pursue their dreams of becoming world-class athletes as full-time jobs and bring glory to the country of Malaysia.
Maybank has been actively participating in the national and international hockey circuit since 1986. The Bank has won four coveted trophies - Malaysia Hockey League in 1990, 1994 and 1995 and the Asian Champion Club in 1991.
The FIH Odisha Hockey World Cup 2023
The World Cup 2023 will feature 16 national teams vying for the coveted trophy. Since the inception of the tournament in 1971, the trophy has been won by countries such as Pakistan (1971, 1978, 1982, 1994), Netherlands, (1973,1990, 1998), Australia (1986, 2010, 2014) and Germany (2002, 2006). India and Belgium won their lone titles in 1975 and 2018 respectively. Malaysia’s highest achievement thus far is fourth place at the 1975 World Cup.
Our athletes have shown grit, tenacity and focus in their journey to reach the pinnacle of the sport; displaying T.I.G.E.R. values both on and off the field – Teamwork, Integrity, Growth, Excellence & Efficiency, Relationship Building.
The Speedy Tigers have already made us proud. Let’s cheer them on in their fight for the Cup – with one heart, one passion, one desire.
Let’s bring it home.
Maybank Tigers
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Meor Mohd Azuan Hassan Picked up the sport at the age of 12, and is now in his second World Cup. |
Mohd Razie Rahim With 5 World Cup goals under his belt, he is Malaysia’s 5th most capped player with 307 games (and counting!). |
Najmi Farizal Jazlan Led Malaysia to victory at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time ever in 39 years – which was also is debut as Team Captain. |
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Mohamad Ashran Hamsani From a ball boy at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, to lifting the trophy in 2022 - he has come a long way. This will be Ashran’s World Cup debut. |
Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi Youngest member of the team with 2 goals in 4 international games to his name. He aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps and represent Malaysia at the Olympics. |
Catch the Speedy Tigers in action on Astro Arena (CH 802) 13-29 January 2023 at these times:
