KUALA LUMPUR: Irdina Madihah Azmi, who has been playing hockey non-stop this year, is set to knock on the door of the national team in the near future.
The SMK Kompleks KLIA student
excelled as a striker in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), Junior Hockey League (JHL), Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) and Malaysia Games.
And now the 16-year-old from Negri Sembilan is making her mark in the ongoing Razak Cup.
Irdina scored her maiden goal in the MHL when she helped newcomers Negri Sembilan beat Sabah 4-0 to bag the League title with one match in hand. Negri went on to claim silver in the Overall battle.
"My first tournament was the MHL (in March) and I was very nervous but my experienced teammates were understanding. I even scored a goal!" said Irdina who does not come from a hockey- playing family but was groomed by Komplex KLIA Primary and Secondary coaches.
The Negri women's team were beaten 4-2 by Penang today in Group B after they let in two quick penalty corner goals in the first quarter.
"I felt bad that I could not score for my state agains Penang, but I will try my best in the remaining matches," said Irdina who has been nicknamed "Speedy" by her coach K. Rajan.
"Irdina is fast on her feet and is a fast thinker too. I believe she will be an asset for Negri for a long time." said Rajan.
RESULTS: MEN - Group A: Armed Forces 2 Terengganu 3, Negri 0 Perak 4.
Group B: Selangor 0 Melaka 5, Penang 2 Pahang 3, Perlis 6 Singapore 0.
WOMEN - Group A: Kuala Lumpur 3 Terengganu 2, Melaka 0 Selangor 1.
Group B: Pahang 11 Armed Forces 0, Penang 4 Negri 2.