SUBANG JAYA — National deaf football team head coach Muhamad Haris Lajid is confident in his team’s ability to excel in the 2023 World Deaf Football Championships from September 23 to October 7 in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Haris said their strong showing in centralised training across four phases since June has fueled this belief.
He believes engaging in friendlies with various football clubs has strengthened their attack, setting them up to compete effectively in their inaugural tournament appearance.
“It is an honour for Malaysia to be able to play in the world-level tournament for the first time through a wildcard ticket as the host.
“As far as I know, the draw will only be released on Thursday.
“We have been actively training since June.
“The first phase was in Kuala Lumpur, followed by phase two in Kelantan, phase three in Terengganu and the final phase back in Kuala Lumpur for us to apply the finishing touches to our preparations,” the 60-year-old told reporters after attending an event to introduce the players and sponsors here today.
Also present was Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abdul Halim who expressed hope for the players’ exceptional commitment and the nation’s pride.
He also urged that all parties would continue to support the national deaf football team.
“As this is the first time the tournament is hosted in Asia, I am sure it would yield a positive impact on the team,” he said.
The fourth edition of the World Deaf Football Championships will see twenty men’s teams and five women’s teams competing across fourteen football pitches and stadiums, including notable venues like the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) Stadium, Universiti Malaya Stadium, and Universiti Putra Malaysia Stadium. — August 29, 2023