KUALA LUMPUR: Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel Suzaini is willing to put his body on the line for Malaysia during penalty corners in the Junior World Cup which begins tomorrow at the National Hockey Stadium.
The lanky forward will face drag flickers from Chile, Argentina and Australia in Group A matches.
The 21-year-old said it would be a big challenge for him to be the first runner out to block the drag flicker's shot.
"I have never faced drag flickers from the three countries in our group before, but I'm ready to face them.
"I did quite well in the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) tournament as I managed to make some saves as the first runner," he said.
In the SoJC last month, Malaysia gave away 33 penalty corners in five matches and conceded seven goals.
"But in the JWC I will be facing some of the best drag flickers, and the challenge will be on me and my two teammates to stop the opponents' powerful drag flicks.
"However, I have no fear facing them after playing many matches since the SoJC last year and this year in tournaments.
"I will not fear using my my body to stop the shots."
pic slug: 05ns38hock in images/pictures ( Shafiq Ikhmal Daniel Suzaini in on the right)