Dry run to thaw stadium

IT IS not the promised stadium, but the alternative will be just as good and follow all International Hockey Federation (FIH) specifications to host the Junior World Cup on June 7- 21 next year.
Malaysia and Singapore will co-host the World Cup, with 10 teams playing in Johor while 10 more in Singapore.
Singapore will host a modest opening ceremony while Malaysia have been handed the closing ceremony, as well as to host the final.
“There were plans to build a new stadium with many state- of-the-art facilities, but we could not make it into a reality as the state government were a little tight on funds.
“However, and alternative stadium is there and nearing completion. The council were briefed on its progress today (yesterday) and once completed we will hold a four-team junior invitational tournament in march as a dry run.
“We will test immigration, transportation and other lo gistics so that there will be minimal hiccups on the actual day,” said Tunku Majid.
And on sponsorship: “The state government will help us source for funds, and the MHF will also look at their traditional sponsors to fund the tournament. We are con fident we will achieve the amount needed,” said Tunku Majid.
An estimated RM1.5 million is needed to make the tour nament a successful business venture.