KUALA LUMPUR: Defender Nor Syakir Hafiz has a double mission in his first Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Kuching.
The 19-year-old wants to help Pahang retain the men's hockey title and be the top scorer of the games.
Pahang, who thrashed Perlis 9-1 in the quarter-finals, face Terengganu in the semi-finals at the Padungan Hockey Stadium tomorrow.
Syakir, who converted four penalty corners in four matches, is the joint-top scorer with Perak's Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar.
Syakir was called up to join national junior training last month after he became joint-top scorer with Johor's Andywalfian Jeffrynus in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League in June.
However, Syakir said he is not too pleased with his conversion rate at the Sukma.
"I struggled in the first two group matches as I only managed to convert one due to the bouncy new turf at the stadium. But I got used to the pitch and converted three of the seven penalty corners in the quarter-final match.
"We will face a real test against Terengganu, who are out for revenge after losing to us on penalty shootout in the semi-final in the last Sukma.
"I aim to marshall the defence well and also go for goals from penalty corners."
Coach Sufian Mohamad, who guided Pahang to win gold in 2022, said Syakir has been the pillar of the team in both defence and delivering goals.
"Terengganu are tough opponents, but I have faith in my players."
The other men's semi-final will also be an interesting affair between Federal Territories and Perak.
The women's semi-finals will see defending champions Pahang meet Terengganu while FT take on Penang.