Junior hockey team need more matches before World Cup
Coach Nor Saiful Zaini believes his squad need at least 60 matches to be tournament-ready, but they've played just 13 so far, with four months to go.
As part of their preparations, the junior Tigers will head to Perth from Aug 3-15, where they'll play six matches — three each against the Western Australian junior and senior sides.
They will then travel to China to take on Liaoning in another six-match series.
Following that, Malaysia will play in the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor from Oct 11-18 — a six-nation tournament featuring Britain (defending champions), Australia, India, New Zealand and Ireland.
Saiful will bring 22 of his 25 players to Perth, but is sweating on the fitness of two key men — Adam Ashraf Johari and Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee.
Midfielder Adam, who played in the 2023 JWC in Bukit Jalil, is sidelined with a wrist injury, while defender Aqil, a mainstay during the Junior Asia Cup in Oman, is recovering from a knee injury.
"The matches in Perth will give my players good exposure," said Saiful.
Malaysia have been drawn in a tough Group E at the JWC alongside the Netherlands, England and Austria.
In the 2023 edition, Malaysia finished 12th out of 16 teams.
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KUALA LUMPUR: The national youth hockey team are racing against time in their bid to be ready for the men's Junior World Cup (JWC) in India from Nov 28-Dec 10. Coach Nor Saiful Zaini believes his squad need at least 60 matches to be tournament-ready, but they've played just 13 so far, with four months to go. As part of their preparations, the junior Tigers will head to Perth from Aug 3-15, where they'll play six matches — three each against the Western Australian junior and senior sides. They will then travel to China to take on Liaoning in another six-match series. Following that, Malaysia will play in the prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) in Johor from Oct 11-18 — a six-nation tournament featuring Britain (defending champions), Australia, India, New Zealand and Ireland. Saiful will bring 22 of his 25 players to Perth, but is sweating on the fitness of two key men — Adam Ashraf Johari and Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee. Midfielder Adam, who played in the 2023 JWC in Bukit Jalil, is sidelined with a wrist injury, while defender Aqil, a mainstay during the Junior Asia Cup in Oman, is recovering from a knee injury. "The matches in Perth will give my players good exposure," said Saiful. Malaysia have been drawn in a tough Group E at the JWC alongside the Netherlands, England and Austria. In the 2023 edition, Malaysia finished 12th out of 16 teams.
