Pakistan hockey legend Sohail Abbas will not travel with Malaysia to the Asia Cup in India later this month, opting out of his role as drag-flick coach due to personal reasons.
Abbas, appointed by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) in October last year, returned to Karachi on Wednesday while the Malaysian squad prepared to depart for Rajgir, Bihar, where the tournament will be staged from August 29 to September 7.
I won’t be going to India for the Asia Cup. Some personal reasons have prevented me from travelling. I have come back to Karachi specifically for that.
Pakistan already out amid tensions
Abbas’s decision comes against the backdrop of political strain between India and Pakistan. Earlier, the Pakistan hockey team had withdrawn from the Asia Cup citing security concerns after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, which led to heightened tensions and military retaliation.
Pressed on whether his absence was linked, the 2010 Asian Games gold medallist stood firm: “It’s purely personal reasons. Hopefully, everything will be sorted before the Junior World Cup and I will accompany the Malaysian team there.”
The Junior World Cup, also to be hosted in India, will take place in Chennai and Madurai from November 28 to December 10.
Mentor to Malaysia’s new flickers
Abbas, still regarded as the greatest drag-flicker in the sport’s history with a record 348 goals in 315 internationals, is on a one-year contract with MHC. His task: to groom a new generation of Malaysian penalty corner specialists following the retirement of veteran Faisal Saari in February.
It takes time to learn the art of drag-flicking. I am working with their main flickers and some youngsters. It’s just the start, but their performance is picking up.
Malaysia’s new No. 1 drag-flicker, Syed Cholan, made headlines at the Nations Cup earlier this year with a ‘Player of the Match’ performance against Pakistan, scoring twice from penalty corners to secure a 3-3 draw.
Syed is one, and they also have Arif (Ishak), plus a couple of others. I also spend time twice a week with their junior team, focusing only on drag-flicking.
Patience needed, says head coach
Malaysia’s head coach Sarjit Singh had earlier told Telecom Asia Sport that Abbas’s impact should not be judged too quickly.
He is doing his part, but he needs time. You can’t just have a team and get results immediately. That never happens.
Sarjit, however, did not respond to calls seeking his reaction to Abbas’s absence from the Asia Cup.
Malaysia aim for third straight final
Currently ranked 12th in the world, Malaysia have been drawn in Pool B alongside Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. They open their campaign against Bangladesh on August 28.
Hosts India headline Pool A, which also includes Japan, China and Kazakhstan. Malaysia have enjoyed consistent success in recent editions of the tournament, finishing runners-up in both 2017 and 2022, losing to India and Korea respectively in the finals.
