K ARUMUGAM

The Malaysians here are upbeat. They are sure they are top contenders here as in 2010 and 2018, last two recent times when they played the Asian Games final. That they failed on both occasions to clinch the gold did not dampen their spirit, and wants to seal a place for the eluding Olympic berth.

“We have not qualified for the Olympics after 2000 Sydney. Its working on our minds I wish the current crop players keep up the form and find a berth at east right now”, said Razie Rahim, the most capped player in their rank.

His team has just defeated Oman by a giant score of 11-1.

Responding to a specific query from www.stick2hockey.com, the legend who made his international debut in 17 years ago, he said that at his moment is focused on the ongoing Asian Games, his record fifth.

Razie Rahim is on his fifth Asian Games, still Gold eludes

We have not qualified for the Olympics after Sydney, that is well past 23 years. Right now my focus is each game and put all effort to win the title here, and thus break the jinx”.

Hangzhou is of course my last Asian Games. We played the finals twice but could get past the last hurdle.  We will go out now for the title here that will take us to Paris. That case I might relook at my retirement plan, said the legend.

Razie Rahim has been a pillar of strength for Malaysia, safeguarding the defence, and giving goals through his patented penalty corner executions.

The top police officer with the Malaysian Government says that the ways by which penalty corners are turned into goals has come a long way since he learnt the art in the early days.

“Every change is good. We always study the changing patterns and try to adapt”, says the most capped Malaysian player.

He is second only to Manpreet Singh of India in terms of experience. He is just 23 caps below the Indian’s high of 343.

Manpreet is most  capped player here followed by Razie.

If form is anything to go by, both are likely to meet either in the semifinal or final.