KUALA LUMPUR: Forward Shamir Rizmi Shamsul is calling on fans to pack the National Hockey Stadium to support Malaysia during the Junior World Cup (JWC).
The Young Tigers will open their Group A campaign against minnows Chile on Tuesday.
Defending champions Argentina and Australia are the other teams in the group.
Expressing optimism, the 21-year-old hopes for a vibrant crowd to motivate the team and unsettle their opponents.
"I hope our fans will fill the venue to the brim and motivate us while rattling our opponents," said Shamir.
"A victory over Chile will set a positive tone, inspiring us to give Argentina and Australia a run for their money. We are a formidable team who have worked diligently to prepare for the tournament."
Shamir also hopes be a goal-scoring force in his second JWC appearance.
In the 2021 edition in Bhubaneswar, India, he scored a goal when Malaysia finished eighth.
"Scoring goals in the JWC is every player's dream.
"As one of the few players in the squad making their second JWC appearance, I am eager to score goals and help Malaysia do well and finish among the top teams."
Determined to make an impact in the JWC, Shamir is focused on redemption after failing to score in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) last month in Johor Baru.
"I need to be more clinical in the semi-circle and capitalise on my chances in the JWC."
The other forwards in the team are Shahmie Irfan Suhaimi, Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel Suzaini, Harris Iskandar Osman and Che Nur Aqilrullah Che Khairulzi Anwar.