KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 27: Malaysian hockey team have not set any target for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup from January 8-18 in Kuala Lumpur.

They want to treat it as another fact-finding mission before all-important Olympic qualifiers in Madrid from March 2-13.

With Sultan Azlan Shah tournament featuring teams ranked higher than Malaysia, skipper S. Kuhan said it will be foolish for them to set any target.

Teams competing in the tournament are reigning world champions Germany, 2002 Asian Games gold medallists South Korea, Asia Cup champions India, Oceania champions Australia, Champions Challenge winners Spain and Pakistan.

“Any of these teams are capable of winning gold medal at Athens Olympics,” said Kuhan. “But we are trying to book our trip via the qualifiers next March.

“Some people will say India, Pakistan and Spain are also playing in qualifiers. But they have a rich tradition behind them and one must not discount fact they have always been at forefront of international hockey.

“As far as Malaysia are concerned, we ought to take it one match at a time and use this opportunity to try out some tactics against best teams.

“We have to be realistic and not set targets that are beyond us.” Kuhan said and hoped fans will support the team and spur players on despite not setting any targets.

On tour to Pakistan and Spain, he said despite not getting desired results in terms of wins, they are aware of their weaknesses.—PPI