NATIONAL coach Arul Selvaraj has stood firmly behind his decision to bring only one goalkeeper to the Asian Games.
Arul, whose move has been questioned by various parties, said that the inclusion of only one goalkeeper was common practice among teams competing in 16-man squad competitions.
S. Kumar has been named as the team’s sole goalkeeper.
“If you have been following international hockey closely, you will know that it is common and is the ideal scenario considering the situation. South Korea and Australia have been doing it for a long time,” said Arul, when met at the national team’s jersey presentation at Bukit Jalil yesterday.
“For starters, I am confident with Kumar and number two, I am confident the team will do all they can to protect him and ensure that he has the least amount of balls to save.
“The goalkeeper is one of the safest positions in hockey. Statistically, only five per cent of keepers’ are injured at international level.
“I do not consider it a risk. I am in a position to make a calculated decision and I believe in that decision.”
The team will be leaving for Incheon today, only two days before the competition starts.
Arul disclosed that their late departure is to allow them to peak at the right time as they already had a chance to acclimatise during their four-day tour of Incheon last month.
Malaysia are in Group A with Japan, Bangladesh, South Korea and Singapore, against who they will play their first match on Saturday. By Fadhli Ishak
The national hockey team donning the jerseys they will wear for the Asian Games after the presentation ceremony yesterday. Standing on the right is coach Arul Selvaraj.