Captains and Coaches Share Insights Ahead of FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025

With only two days remaining until the commencement of the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup in Malaysia, the captains and coaches of the participating teams have shared their thoughts and aspirations for the tournament. The event, which is set to take place from June 15 to June 21, 2025, at the National Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, promises to be an exciting showcase of international hockey talent.

The FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup is significant as it not only highlights the best in men's hockey but also serves as a platform for teams to vie for qualification into the prestigious FIH Pro League. This year, teams from various countries, including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Wales, France, New Zealand, and South Africa, are gearing up for intense competition.

Danny Newcombe, Head Coach of Wales, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming matches, stating, "We’re incredibly excited to test ourselves against top-class opposition at the FIH Nations Cup 2025. This group is ready to compete, and we head into the tournament with belief, hunger, and a clear expectation to challenge every team we face." He emphasized the balanced squad that combines experience with youthful talent, which he believes will be pivotal in their performance.

John-John Dohmen, Head Coach of France, shared his team's rigorous preparation, noting, "Our team has been training and preparing for the competition for several months. We have done everything we can to achieve the best possible result. I’d like to quote a phrase from Nelson Mandela that inspires us: 'A winner is a dreamer who never gives up.'" Dohmen’s focus on mental fortitude illustrates the psychological aspect of competing at such a high level.

Raiki Fujishima, Captain of Japan, articulated the team's ambitions succinctly, stating, "Our goal for the FIH Nations Cup is clear: to win the tournament and secure a place in the FIH Pro League. We train hard every day with the aim of achieving strong results on the international stage. This tournament is a great opportunity to test ourselves, and we're genuinely excited to see where we stand." His comments reflect a determined spirit among the players as they prepare for the challenges ahead.

Lee Jung Jun, Captain of Korea, shared his excitement about the opportunity to compete, saying, "We are so happy to be able to compete in the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2025. We have prepared hard and will showcase a good game. Our primary goal is to advance to the semi-finals and then do our best from there on." His sentiments resonate with many players who view this tournament as a chance to leave their mark.

Muhammad Marhan Mohd Jalil, Captain of the host nation Malaysia, expressed pride in competing at home. He stated, "It is an honour to play at our home ground. Seeing and hearing the spectators chanting and supporting us during our matches builds our confidence and strength throughout the competition. Our goal is to win this tournament. Doing so would be our way of showing appreciation to Malaysian hockey fans for their unwavering support." Jalil's words highlight the emotional and psychological advantages that home-ground support can provide.

Greg Nicol, Head Coach of New Zealand, reflected on the importance of returning to international hockey, stating, "It’s great to be back playing international hockey again. The FIH Nations Cup was a successful event for us last year, so we are hoping for a similar experience this time." Nicol’s comments underscore the continuity and growth within the New Zealand team.

Lastly, Sam Mvimbi, Captain of South Africa, shared the excitement of a refreshed squad, saying, "Our group is super excited. It’s been a while since we have had some competitive matches against other nations. And with some new coaches and new players, including six debutants, we are excited to see what the team can do at this tournament." Mvimbi’s insights illustrate the dynamic nature of team composition and the potential for new talent to shine on the international stage.

As the countdown to the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup begins, teams are not only focused on the competition but also on the broader implications of their performance, particularly in terms of qualification for the Pro League. Fans can expect thrilling matches and exemplary displays of sportsmanship as the world’s best hockey teams compete for glory. The tournament will be broadcast live on the reimagined Watch.Hockey platform, allowing fans from around the globe to witness the action unfold.

In conclusion, the FIH Hockey Men's Nations Cup 2025 in Malaysia is set to be a landmark event in the international hockey calendar, showcasing talent, passion, and the spirit of competition among some of the world’s finest athletes. As the teams finalize their preparations, the excitement builds for what promises to be an unforgettable week of hockey.