KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being Asia's second-highest-ranked team, the national men's hockey squad aren't setting their sights too high in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), which starts on Sunday in Inner Mongolia, China.
Sarjit Singh's side, currently ranked 13th in the world, have been handed a modest top-four target by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
This comes despite Malaysia trailing only world No. 5 India in the continental rankings, with South Korea (No. 14), Japan (No. 15), Pakistan (No. 16), and China (No. 23) rounding out the competition.
MHC coaching committee chairman Datuk Manjit Majid Abdullah believes the target is a realistic one for the newly rebuilt Malaysian squad.
"The other five teams are strong contenders," said Manjit.
"India are the favourites, especially with 10 players retained from their bronze medal-winning squad at the Paris Olympics.
"Japan, who triumphed at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in May, are preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya."
Manjit also warned about the growing strength of China, who have recorded recent wins over Pakistan and Japan in Test matches.
"China hockey is on the rise, and they have proven it. Pakistan, meanwhile, have a strong record against us, and South Korea are rebuilding their squad."
Manjit reiterated that the ACT is part of a larger process as coach Sarjit rebuilds the national team ahead of the 2026 Asian Games.
Malaysia will face Pakistan in their opening game on Sunday.