National juniors team manager Ganesh Shanmugam has set a target of a top-two finish for the Young Tigers in Group B round-robin matches of their Men’s Hockey Junior Asia Cup (JAC) 2024 challenge in Al Amarat Muscat, Oman that will qualify the team into the semifinals.
The Men’s JAC will be held from Nov 26 to Dec 4. The tournament will serve as the Asian qualifier for the 2025 FIH Junior Hockey World Cup with the six highest-ranked teams, not already qualified, qualifying.
The Young Tigers, ranked World No.11, are drawn in Group B with World No.9 Pakistan, Bangladesh (21), Oman (33), and China (48).
Two-time defending champions India, who are currently ranked World No. 2 behind reigning champions Germany, are in Group A alongside Korea (12), Japan (18), Chinese Taipei (37) and Thailand (40).
He added that it is the aspiration of the management that the Young Tigers strive to complete their journey in Oman with a podium finish. The Malaysians are still searching for the coveted JAC trophy after emerging runners-up in 1992, and champions in 2012.
“I hope the players give their highest commitment in the JAC and make our nation proud,” said Ganesh. “We have selected players who have the skills, talent, and good character. I am confident it is the key to positive results. All they need to do is believe in themselves, have a strong mental perception, and move forward.”
Meanwhile, juniors head coach I. Vikneswaran said the players are aware of their mission and their objective is to qualify for the 2025 Junior World Cup.
“In the 2023 edition we finished in fourth spot. However, all 20 players must strive to improve on that with an improved performance. The training sessions concluded recently and it was geared towards sharpening our skills in several areas,” said Vikneswaran.
“Our immediate target is qualifying for the semifinals. All the other contenders will arrive in Oman with the same mission. Bearing this in mind, the players are aware of what is required from them. There no room for mistakes,” he added.
He stressed that all the teams in Group B have their strengths and weaknesses along the way, and the Young Tigers have been advised not to look down on their opponents but remain focused throughout the matches.
“Pakistan is ranked World No.9 and is the highest ranked team in our pool. They are skilled and fast. They have several experienced senior team players including Muhammad Sufyan Khan who recently received the FIH Rising Star of the Year award. We will face a litmus test against them.”
“Our first match is against China. I want the players to have confidence and stay calm. Discipline is important at all levels in a match to manage negative emotions like picking up unnecessary green and yellow cards,” he said, adding that the Chinese team will have their own structure and the players must stay focused till the end of regulation time.
The 20-member National Men’s Junior Team:
Goalkeepers – Mohamad Rafaizul Mohamad Saini, Muhammad Danish Afnan Mohd Faizal, Haziq Muizzuddin Hairul Mizan.
Defenders – Andywalfian Jeffrynus, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Muhammad Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee, Disairul Fazrien Muhammad Nazrien, Muhammad Nabil Irfan Mohd Yusof.
Midfielders – Muhammad Khairul Noriza, Muhammad Danish Danial Abdul Wahab, Muhammad Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari, Muhammad Handzalah Abdul Hadi, Aiman Safwan Hisham.
Forwards – Muhammad Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar, Che Nur Aqilrullah Che Mohd Khairulzi Anwar, Mohammad Harris Iskandar Osman, Mohamad Khairil Hakimi Zainol, Muhammad Yadiy Mohamad Saifuddin, and Naaveennash Panicker.
Accompanying officials: Ganesh Shanmugam (Manager); I. Vikneswaran (Coach); Mohammad Hairi Abd Rahman, Hanafi Hassan, Chairil Anwar A Aziz and Sohail Abbas (Assistant coaches); John Archbold (Physical Trainer); Dervan V.A Ramachandran (Physiotherapist); Ammar Danial Rahmat (Masseur),
Schedule of Malaysian Matches (All matches in Malaysian time)
Tuesday (26 Nov): Malaysia v China (8.45pm)
Wednesday (27 Nov): Malaysia v Oman (11pm)
Saturday (30 Nov): Malaysia v Bangladesh (6.30pm)
Sunday (1 Dec): Malaysia v Pakistan (8.45pm)
