By Asia Samachar | Thailand |
Malaysia’s men’s field hockey gold medal at the SEA Games has delivered a breakout name, with debutant Amanraj Singh emerging as one of the tournament’s most compelling performers.
The 20-year-old law student crowned his first SEA Games appearance with a hat-trick in the final, as Malaysia overwhelmed hosts Thailand 8-0 in Chonburi on Dec 19.
Amanraj struck three times in the closing minutes — the 55th, 57th and 60th — putting the finishing touches on a dominant Malaysian display. The other goals came from Muhajir Abdu Rauf, Faiz Jali, Aiman Rozemi, Fitri Saari and Alfarico Liau.
The emphatic victory sealed Malaysia’s 18th men’s hockey gold medal in SEA Games history, maintaining a record that has seen them top the podium in every edition except Singapore 1973.
Amanraj ended the campaign with seven goals and four assists, statistics that underlined his influence despite it being his first international assignment.
“I’m feeling super happy and proud of myself,” Amanraj told The Star, describing the final as “surreal” after scoring three goals in quick succession.
Currently a first-year law student at Northumbria University, Amanraj is also carrying a famous hockey legacy. He is the nephew of national head coach and former great Sarjit Singh, a connection that has inevitably drawn attention to his rapid rise.
With the SEA Games now behind him, the newspaper report noted that Amanraj has made no secret of his ambition to feature more regularly with the Speedy Tigers, saying he is eager to continue learning and earn more minutes at senior level.
Malaysia also celebrated success in the women’s event, where the national team clinched gold with a commanding 6-0 win over Indonesia in the final, completing a memorable hockey double for the country.
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