… as the national champion comes with bigger target after given new opportunity.
AFTER finishing runners-up in the mixed category at last year’s Asian Cup in Shenzhen, China, Carisbrook are heading into this year’s tournament with greater ambitions.
The Kuala Lumpur-based club will also field a men’s team this time after winning the 2026 National Touch Championship (NTC) in July, earning the opportunity to compete in an additional category.
The expanded participation offers valuable exposure for the touch rugby club, with men’s team captain Al Malek Fahd Shaifullah confident in his side’s potential ahead of the tournament in Shanghai.
“When Carisbrook won the NTC, I was the captain, and we always expected to do our best at the national level. From what I’ve seen of my team, they still have the hunger to win.
“As we head to Shanghai, our main expectation is for Malaysians to see that we are national champions. However, I don’t think we should put too much pressure on ourselves because we are going there to learn and grow,” he told theSun.
Al Malek was speaking during the team’s press conference in Shah Alam on Tuesday, ahead of their departure for China the following day.
Last year, Carisbrook finished runners-up after losing 3-8 to Singapore’s Hybrid Touch Star in the mixed category final.
Although they fell short of their target, the experience has given the club greater belief and confidence heading into this year’s campaign, including among the men’s squad.
“This time, we are more aggressive. Last year, we only entered the mixed category because we knew there were high expectations for the men’s team.
“We will give our best because, from what I’ve seen, my teammates are excited and ready to head to China. However, as captain, I’ve reminded them not to become overconfident and to stay focused on their training,” Al Malek added.
Meanwhile, team manager Mohd Amie Imran said Carisbrook have their own mission and vision this time around, with the team determined to make amends for last year’s disappointment.
“We are not saying that we want to set high expectations, but we want to give our best as we are competing against the best in Asia.
“We also want to prove to the public that we have prepared to the best of our ability, as we have placed emphasis on tactics rather than just fitness,” he said.
Beyond their NTC triumph and last year’s Asian Cup campaign, Carisbrook have further strengthened their credentials by winning the 2026 Banteng Touch Cup in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The string of successes has boosted the management’s confidence in the team’s ability to maintain its momentum and showcase its quality on the international stage.