KUALA LUMPUR: Terengganu coach Harun Al-Rashid has a vision for his Malaysia Games women's hockey squad.
And the second edition of the TNB-Women’s Razak Cup, which begins at KLHA Stadium on Saturday, is the first step towards achieving his objective.
Harun said his Razak Cup team comprise 18 players from Terengganu’s Malaysia Games squad.
“The Razak Cup is an ideal platform to start our journey,” said Harun, who was recently appointed coach.
“We have six players who were in the team last year. My objective is to give the youngsters a chance to play against fancied teams. I want them to learn from this adventure.”
“My focus is different. I want the players to be brave when playing against tough opponents.”
Terengganu are in Group A with defending champions Pahang, Perak, KL and Indonesia. The east coast side play Pahang on Saturday.
Harun said his decision to exclude national players Rabiatul Adawiyah Mohamed and Fatin Naimah from the squad even surprised national coach K. Dharmaraj.
“I told Dharmaraj my vision and objective and he understood. My decision was also well-received by the Terengganu Sports Council and Hockey Association.
“We need to expose our youngsters as much as possible. It will only serve the country well in the future,” said Harun.
Harun said Rabiatul and Fatin will feature for Pahang this time.
“The life span for women hockey players is very short. They will normally give up the game and move forward in life if they are not absorbed into the national team,” added Harun.
The squad
Goalkeepers: Nur Asma’a Ahmad Kamil, Ainnur Khairina Safiah Ahmad Ridhuan;
Defenders: Tuan Nur Hidayah Tuan Ismail, Nurul Najah Farhani Abdul Rashid, Norul Ain Mutalib, Zahratul Farhana Sofea Muhd Roslan, Siti Aisyah Md Akram;
Midfielders: Nur Syuhada Suhaimi, Wan Nur Syafiqah Wan Norhisham, Nadia Zamri, Nurul Syafiqah Abdullah, Nur Syazleen Abdul Razak;
Forwards: Auni Athika Ghani, Norfatin Nabila Mohamad, Siti Azlinda Atan, Nur Nazurah Mohd Rozali, Nur Aisyah Hashim, Najihah Tahir.