KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) have big plans for their women's team starting with the Hangzhou Asian Games on Sept 10-25.
And four years later, the target is semi-finals at the Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Malaysian women have always been fifth in Asia, which happened again at the Asia Cup in Oman in January. India, Japan, China and South Korea have been the dominant forces in the continent.
"Our women showed great commitment and had a never-say-die attitude in the recent Junior World Cup, and MHC will build on this to prepare a fighting side for the Hangzhou Asian Games by sending them overseas or hosting strong teams in Malaysia.
"The women will take a well-deserved break with their families and after Hari Raya, coach Nasihin Nubli will present his plans leading to the Asian Games," said MHC national team management committee chairman Datuk Najmi Razak.
Malaysia showed great fighting spirit in their Junior World Cup debut in South Africa where they finished 11th out of 16 teams.
"Everything planned for the girls is going towards making them into semi-finalists in 2026 where we believe they will be good for either bronze or a fourth placing," added Najmi.