KUALA LUMPUR – National striker Shello Silverius returned to light training today after an arm fracture during the recent Nations Cup Hockey Championship campaign in South Africa.
National men’s hockey squad head coach A. Selvaraj breathed a sigh of relief after the Sabahan joined the Speedy Tigers in the final training session before the team departs for the 2023 World Cup in January.
Selvaraj said midfielder Nik Aiman Nik Rozemi has not yet recovered after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the same bruising South African tournament.
However, he said two other players who also suffered injuries there, namely Marhan Jalil and Shahril Saabah, are still viewed as bright prospects to play in the World Cup.
“This morning, Marhan took to the field for penalty corner hits but has not yet been included in vigorous training with his teammates,” he said at the Bukit Jalil Hockey Stadium here today.
Meanwhile, Selvaraj said the training session will focus on technical training in the first week besides restoring team spirit after competing in the Nations Cup.
“In the second week, I will focus on tactical aspects before the World Cup,” he said.
The Speedy Tigers, ranked world 11th, have been drawn in Group C with defending champions the Netherlands (ranked world 2nd) as well as New Zealand (9th) and Chile (22nd).
The squad have set their sights on getting past the group stage at the 2023 World Cup which will take place in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, India, from Jan 13-29.
They are scheduled to leave for India on Jan 6. – Bernama
