IPOH: Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin is living the dream after scoring his first senior international goal at the Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup.
The 18-year-old forward was on target for Malaysia in the 6-2 whipping of Canada at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium on Sunday, and it was the perfect response from Azimuddin who had missed a scoring chance in the 5-4 loss to Pakistan on Saturday.
The Johorean dedicated his goal to his biggest supporter - his 52-year-old father, Kamaruddin Misman, who's stricken by cancer.
Former soldier Kamaruddin played hockey for Armed Forces in the Razak Cup from 1992-2003 and also coached the team from 2009-2019.
Azimuddin said he wished that his father was able to witness him scoring his first goal for Malaysia from the stands.
"My father apologised to me for not being here to watch me play my first senior match when I called him (on Saturday). I told him that I understand his health condition. I told him that I will do my best for the team.
"I dedicate the goal to him, and I will try to score more goals in our next matches.
"I missed a chance to score in the Pakistan game, so I'm more determined to score. I was a bit nervous in that game, but now I'm settled down thanks to the support of the senior players."
As defending champions Malaysia take on New Zealand in their third match tomorrow.
Azimuddin said he will have to raise his game despite the Speedy Tigers having edged the Olympics-bound Black Sticks 3-2 in a friendly match last Wednesday.
He said that playing alongside his idol, Faisal Saari, is another positive impact on his game.
"For the New Zealand game, we need to do like how we did in the friendly. We will study back the match we have played. I will have to improve my performance in terms of scoring," said the TNB-Thunderbolt player.
"My favourite player has always been Faisal, and I have been admiring his game since I was in Standard Three. I'm very grateful to be on the same team with him, and he has been giving me a lot of positive vibes that encourage me to improve my game."