Champs Malaysia to name squad late..

MALAYSIA will name their final 18 for the Sultan of Johor  Cup on Nov 9, as training would only start after the Razak Cup  ends on Monday.
    As defending champions, Malaysia will face silver medal lists Australia, New Zealand, India, Germany and Pakistan on  Nov 11-18 at the Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru.
   “Our players are all competing in the Razak Cup now, so we  will only name the final squad latest by Nov 9 after clocking in  some training,” said team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
   Pakistan withdrew last week, but are back in the fold for  reasons only known to them.
   “We had re-draw the fixtures to a five-team tournament  after Pakistan withdrew but after a few days, the called and  said that they want to play in the Cup again.
   “We have included them, again, and it would be a six-team  tournament,” said Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC)  senior vice-president Manjit Majid Abdullah.
    Malaysia beat Australia 3-2 on golden goal in the final of  the First Edition.
   But they will be hard-pressed to defend their title this year,  as four former Junior World Cup champions are in the fold.  For the record, only five countries have won the Junior World  Cup to date.
    The four former World junior champions are Germany,  Pakistan, Australia, India and Argentina.
    Meanwhile, New Zealand have finalised their squad of 18.  after a selection camp in Counties Manukau.
    Coach Grant Edwards said the young team is impressive  and shows real potential.
    “This was a difficult team to select as everyone put in a  sound performance at the selection camp, which was pleas ing. It’s important to note also, that these athletes selected  are all available and eligible for the 2013 Junior World Cup,”  said Edwards.
    The 2013 Junior World Cup will be held in India in  December.