HANGZHOU: Chef de Mission Datuk Chong Kim Fatt has urged the Speedy Tigers not to lose their spirit after falling short of their target at the Asian Games.
The Malaysian men's team, who had set their sights on a gold medal, failed to reach the semi-finals after finishing third in Group B following a 4-4 draw against pool champions, China, on Monday.
The champions will secure a ticket to the Paris Olympics next year.
A. Arul Selvaraj's team will now compete in the qualifiers to vie for Olympic spots.
"I am saddened because we were hoping to see the hockey team bring glory to the nation. Even though we didn't set a specific target, I am proud that they aimed for the gold," said Kim Fatt.
"The team displayed remarkable spirit. They should assess their shortcomings and work diligently to bounce back in the next competition."
"Although they lost, they remain icons because they consistently fought. They may have fallen short of their target, but they cannot lose their spirit."
The Speedy Tigers will face Pakistan in the fifth-place playoffs on Friday.
"As the CDM, I apologise because we missed out on a medal," he added.