Kolkata: The last time India faced off with Malaysia, was the final of Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai last year where the hosts earned a nail-biting 4-3 victory to grab the title.
Since then, they have improved by leaps and bounds and eventually bagged their second consecutive Olympic bronze medal in Paris last month. Post Paris, they have continued with their good show and bagged two easy wins in this edition of Asian Champions Trophy and are looking poised to defend their crown in Hulunbuir, China.
As for Malaysia, they have gone in the complete opposite direction since the final against India and will have to play out of their skin to put up a challenge when the two teams face off in the group stage of the tournament on Wednesday. And Malaysia captain Marhan Jalil made no qualms of admitting the same during an interview with TOI.
“We must be well prepared and very careful because India are on top at the moment after winning the bronze at the Olympics. They have been very consistent in the matches they have played. To ensure we give them a challenge, we must try to stay defensive and go on the counter-attacks whenever possible,” said Jalil during a virtual interaction.
After failing to make it to the Olympics this year, the junior and senior teams were disbanded and reins of the team were handed over to new coach Sarjit Kundan, who has a young team at his disposal.
“Things have been difficult but we are trying to rebuild the team. At the moment, it’s all smooth and things are in control after Sarjit took over. However, the seniors as well as the youngsters are trying their best to understand the philosophy of the coach and what he is trying to apply,” said the senior-most player of the team.
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