Malaysians throng the stadium in full measure. It’s a feature in Kuantan. The local matches are also suitably timed in the late evenings. The national team so far had full stands and full throats to support them. The team also did not disappoint. Three wins in three matches is not a common thing for Malaysian hockey known underperformance on global stage.

The two policemen who did duty yesterday at old bus stand knows today is India-Malaysia match, and they will make it to the Wisma Belia ( the sports complex where hockey stadium is situated). One could even name the chief coach name correctly, Stepen van Huizen.

The excitement of Malaysian team got due acceleration once they beat strong rival Pakistan in their opener, that too with good tow goal difference.

Malaysia always performs better at home rather than outside. Its its history.

India therefore has a tough task today in Kuantan. Malaysia will seek to maintain its undefeated label. With two matches to go in two days, the hosts need to go the extra mile to maintain their lead position. Except Pak, it had two easy outings. The remaining two teams, India and Korea, has the potential to spoil their party.

India can top the table with today’s victories but it is difficult to beat Malaysia at home. History vouchsafes for this reality.

However, India here is formidable. Their fitness is key and decider. It can easily be said that Indian fitness level is best here in Kuantan.

The speed with which everyone moves, intensity in team’s approach, new faces in the upfront, goalie Sreejesh’s self-belief, set plays, fresh legs all the times make Indian team a force to reckon with here.
India suffered from the absence of winger SV Sunil, reliable defender Raghunath and more so impact making midfielder Manpreet Singh.

They are in the injured list.

Malaysia on the other hand could not avail the services of its main penalty corner executioner Nabil Fiqri due to employers issues. He has joined the campaign of late.

Malaysia so far has had easy rivals and will be facing tougher ones hereon.

India on the other hand had its main rivals already on the plate: while Korea managed to draw, Pakistan went down though fighting.

India is in shipshape for big day. Malaysia must call all its virtues to make a match of it today.
Interesting match with much consequences in the pool table position await hockey fans today in six hours time.