KUALA LUMPUR: In the aftermath of a 10-1 loss to Germany, the National Sports Council (NSC) is pressing the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) to submit a comprehensive report on the Speedy Tigers' performance upon their return from Europe.
The Malaysian team have played four matches in Europe, facing Belgium B three times in Antwerp and world No. 5 Germany once.
After recording two wins and one defeat against Belgium B, the Speedy Tigers were thrashed 10-1 by reigning world champions Germany in Gladbach on Sunday.
Last month, the national men's hockey team were reinstated into the Podium Programme.
NSC athletes division director Azrul Hisyam Abdul Jalil confirmed that the council is funding 90 per cent of the Speedy Tigers' European tour.
"I cannot comment on the technical aspects of the 10-1 defeat to Germany, but the result clearly shows the national team's standing against the world champions," said Azrul on Tuesday.
"It serves as a wake-up call for all national sports associations (NSAs) regarding their teams' international tours."
"If teams do not perform, we may reconsider funding their future trips abroad," Azrul continued.
"We expect the MHC to submit a detailed report on their team's European tour upon their return to Kuala Lumpur."
Azrul said the national hockey team will remain part of the Podium Programme until the Thailand Sea Games in December 2025.
He also urged everyone to give newly appointed coach Sarjit Singh adequate time to rebuild the national team with the aim of qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
"For now, we need patience with the team's development," Azrul added.
Malaysia's immediate goal is to win the Asian Games gold medal at the 2026 Nagoya Games to earn an automatic Olympic berth.
The Speedy Tigers have not qualified for the Olympics since the 2000 Sydney edition.
Sarjit's squad has three remaining matches in Europe against German side Monchengladbach, the Netherlands and India.