KUALA LUMPUR: Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin may be a newcomer to the national hockey team, but he harbours big dreams.
The forward aspires to become the country's top penalty corner drag-flicker, akin to the retired Razie Rahim, who scored 100 goals from 321 appearances for Speedy Tigers.
Azimuddin certainly possesses the potential to achieve this goal.
Last year, the 18-year-old emerged as the top scorer in the Malaysian Junior Hockey League (MJHL), netting 17 goals, with 11 from penalty corner set-pieces for Tengku Mahkota Ismail Sports School, who clinched both the league and overall titles.
This year, he represented TNB Thunderbolts in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), scoring three goals.
He is currently part of national coach Sarjit Singh's 30-member squad preparing for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup next month.
"Razie is my idol. I want to be as successful as him. I am working hard to improve my drag flick executions by working on my power and accuracy," Azimuddin said.
However, Azimuddin will face competition from other drag flickers in the Speedy Tigers squad, including Faizal Saari, Syed Syafiq Syed Cholan, and national junior captain Faris Harizan.
"Last year, I was part of the national junior team for centralised training, but I did not impress the selectors. But this time, I am happy to be among the 30 players in the senior squad.
"But I cannot take my place for granted. I must work hard to impress Sarjit," said Azimuddin.
Azimuddin's spot in Malaysia's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup squad is not guaranteed, as Sarjit will only name 18 players for the mission after a friendly against New Zealand on May 1.
Malaysia's other assignments this year are the Nations Cup in Poland on May 31-June 9 and the Asian Champions Trophy in China from Sept 8-17.