Tengku Abdullah wants Juniors to finish among top five in New Delhi

JOHOR BARU: A top-five target has been set for Malaysia in the 10th Junior World Cup in New Delhi from Dec 6-15.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah believes the Nationals Juniors are capable of achieving the target.

“They did well in the Sultan of Johor Cup by staying unbeaten going into the final – winning four and drawing one,” said Tengku Abdullah after chairing the MHC annual general meeting (AGM) in Johor Baru yesterday.

“Judging by their performance in the tournament, I believe we have a good chance to finish in the top five in the Junior World Cup.

“Teams like Germany, Holland, Spain and Australia are strong contenders and they are likely to be the favourites to reach the semi-finals.

“The National Juniors need to minimise their mistakes and make use of the chances to do well in New Delhi,” he added.

A total of 16 teams will feature in the Junior World Cup and Malaysia are in Group D with Pakistan, England and South Africa.

Defending champions Germany are in Group A with South Korea, Belgium and Egypt while Group B comprises Australia, Spain, Argentina and France. Holland, New Zealand, Canada and hosts India are in Group C.

At the Sultan of Johor Cup, the National Juniors beat Pakistan (4-2) and England (3-1) in the group stage.

Malaysia’s best-ever performance in the Junior World Cup was fourth – in Paris (1979), Ipoh (1982) and Vancouver (1985).

In the last Junior World Cup in Johor Baru four years ago, Malaysia finished 12th out of 20 teams.