MALAYSIA may have lost a golden opportunity for glory in the Asia Cup, but the hockey squad coach Stephen van Huizen is not overly worried.
"Yes, we lost a really good chance to win, but then again, playing in the final itself is a great experience for my charges.
"It's not always that Malaysia gets to play in the final of a top-level tournament, and this experience will help in our quest to challenge for the Asian Games gold next year," said van Huizen.
This is the second biggest final that Malaysia has played in recent years, the first being the Guangzhou Asian Games in 2010 where Malaysia lost 2-0 to Pakistan.
"I'm also glad that we are back as the No 2 team in Asia, and our rankings should stay above the rest and might even improve.
"This (ranking) is very important in the World League format where the higher ranked one is, the better the chance of playing in major tournaments."
As for this match, van Huizen feels his charges did the nation proud.
"My players gave their best, and even though it was not enough, I believe they will learn and improve and become better."