ACT: Pakistan deal with FIH straight...

THE Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) never received Pakistan's confirmation letter, but the International Hockey Federation (FIH) have received their team list for the Asian Champions Trophy on Oct 20-30 in Kuantan.
  MHC CEO K. Logan Raj is still waiting for the confirmation letter, even as travel arrangements have been forwarded to them.
  "Surprisingly, Pakistan sent their team list to the FIH and not the hosts or organisers Asian Hockey Federation (AHF). They wrote to us only today (Friday) about their travelling schedule and are expected to arrive on Sunday," said Logan.
  The MHC were ready to run a five-team tournament, as Pakistan never responded to the queries until the cut-off date on Oct 6.
  Malaysia will be up against defending champions Pakistan, Asian Games champions India, South Korea, Japan and China in the ACT which will offer FIH ranking points for the first time.
  On another matter, MHC are also closely following Pakistan's entry for the Junior World Cup on Dec 8-18 in Lucknow, India.
  "There has been online reports saying that Pakistan might not play in the Junior World Cup because of security reasons and if that happens, Malaysia are the No 1 standby to replace them.
  "Even though its a far shot, but we cant wait for the final moment to prepare if it happens," said Logan.
  The Malaysian juniors, who finished fifth in the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan and missed the boat to Lucknow, will be playing in the Sultan of Johor Cup and that could be their training ground to select players if Pakistan are unable to compete in India.
  The SOJC, the only junior invitational tournament in the world, will be held in Johor Baru on Oct 31-Nov 6 where the hosts will battle Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.
  For the record, Malaysia beat Argentina 3-2 for the bronze in the last edition.