Malaysia’s women’s hockey team, ranked 22nd globally, aim to retain their SEA Games title in Thailand against three regional rivals
KUALA LUMPUR: The national women’s hockey team are determined to defend their Southeast Asian crown at the SEA Games Thailand 2025.
Head coach Mohd Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said the squad, known as the Malaysian Tigress, aims to retain the gold medal won at the 2023 edition in Cambodia.
The team comprises experienced players aged 21 and above, including seven who featured in the recent FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup.
“We appreciated the confidence of our supporters and will always uphold the principle of respecting every opponent,” said Nasihin.
“We understand that many view Malaysia as the top seeds, but there are no easy matches in modern hockey.”
Four teams will compete in the women’s hockey tournament from December 9 to 20.
Malaysia, ranked 22nd in the world, are the top seeds ahead of Thailand (28th), Singapore (35th) and Indonesia (74th).
The Malaysian Tigress thumped Thailand 4-1 in the final to claim gold at the 2023 Games.
Their campaign in Thailand begins against Singapore on December 11.
They face Indonesia on December 13 before a crucial group match against Thailand on December 16.
The semi-finals are scheduled for December 18, with the top team facing the fourth-placed side.
The second-placed team will meet the third-placed team in the other semi-final.
Malaysia have won the women’s hockey gold medal a record eight times since its inclusion in 1997.
The 18-player squad has been finalised for the biennial Games. – Bernama
