THE Project 2013 team achieved one, and will be going for their second target against Pakistan in the final of the Junior Asia Cup at the MBM Stadium in Malacca on Sunday.
Malaysia has never won gold in this tournament since its inception in 1987, with the best being a silver won in the 1992 edition in Ipoh.
The excitement is overpowering, and the wheels have started to grind even faster as plans are afoot to send several promising boys to play in overseas leagues.
“It is still at a blueprint stage, as the National Sports Council (NSC) are trying to secure top clubs in Europe or Australia to take players from this team to a higher level,” said team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
Mirnawan, who was in he 1992 silver winning side, feels there is tremendous potential in this team and they need to hone their skills by playing in tough leagues.
“There is no point in sending the players to mediocre leagues, as they need to play competitive hockey in Europe, where I expect the challenge to come from during the Junior World Cup (in New Delhi November next year),” said Mir nawan.
NSC Director General Datuk Zolkples Embong confirmed that talks are being initiated with several countries.
“We are in the process of negotiating with several clubs from three countries and hopefully are able to settle this by the end of June.
“We realise that our players need to be exposed in foreign leagues in order to become complete players and hence the NSC, with a go ahead from the Malaysian Hockey Con federation has started working on this plan.
“We are looking at 12 to 18 players, from both the senior and junior squads, to be placed overseas,” said Zolkples.
NSC took a lead role in seeking clubs for hockey players in 1997 and R. Shanker, Chairil Anwar, Nor Azlan Bakar, S. Kuhan and Kerpal Singh went on three month stints with clubs in Germany.
As a result, Malaysia qualified for the 1998 Utrecht World Cup after being in the cold for 16 years.
Clips and bio-data of potential players for consideration of clubs is being complied, to make them more marketable and secure top-flight clubs.
At the senior level, Malaysia last played in the World Cup in Kuala Lumpur 2002, and next year they will be involved in the Qualifier.
With six of Project 2013 players overage to play in the New Delhi Junior World Cup, the possibility is high that they will be drafted into the senior side and play in the senior Qualifier next year.
SATURDAY: Seventh-Eighth: Iran v Sri Lanka (6pm); Fifth- Sixth: Japan v South Korea (8pm).
SUNDAY: Final: Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm); Third- Fourth: India v South Korea (5pm).
Friday, May 11, 2012
Junior Asia Cup History
Men's Junior Asia Cup Hockey
| Sejarah Kejohanan | |||||
| Edition | Year | Venue | First | Second | Third |
| 1st | 1987 | Karachi, Pakistan | Pakistan | Korea | India |
| 2nd | 1992 | Ipoh, Malaysia | Pakistan | Malaysia | Korea |
| 3rd | 1996 | Singapore | Pakistan | India | Japan |
| 4th | 2000 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Korea | India | Malaysia |
| 5th | 2004 | Karachi, Pakistan | India | Pakistan | Korea |
| 6th | 2008 | Hyderabad, India | India | Korea | Pakistan |
| 7th | 2012 | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | - | - | - |
| 7th Men's Junior Asia Cup |
Tarikh: Mei 3-13, 2012Venue: Stadium Hoki MBMB, Bukit Serindit, Melaka, Malaysia
| Kumpulan A | |||||||||
| RK | Pasukan | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | MT |
| 1 | Malaysia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 9 |
| 2 | Korea | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | Japan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 8 | -3 | 3 |
| 4 | Iran | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 14 | -11 | 0 |
| Kumpulan B | |||||||||
| RK | Pasukan | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | MT |
| 1 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 15 | 7 |
| 2 | India | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 15 | 3 | 12 | 7 |
| 3 | China | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 30 | -30 | 0 |
| SCHEDULE (JADUAL) | |||
| Mei 03, 2012 (Khamis) | |||
| A | Korea | 4-1 | Japan |
| A | Malaysia | 6-1 | Iran |
| Mei 04, 2012 (Jumaat) | |||
| B | Pakistan | 1-0 | China |
| B | India | 11-0 | Sri Lanka |
| Mei 05, 2012 (Sabtu) | |||
| A | Japan | 3-1 | Iran |
| A | Malaysia | 6-3 | Korea |
| Mei 06, 2012 (Ahad) | |||
| B | China | 5-0 | Sri Lanka |
| B | India | 2-2 | Pakistan |
| A | Korea | 5-1 | Iran |
| Mei 07, 2012 (Isnin) | |||
| B | China | 1-2 | India |
| B | Pakistan | 14-0 | Sri Lanka |
| B | Japan | 1-3 | Malaysia |
| Mei 09, 2012 (Rabu) | |||
| 5-8 | Japan | 5-1 | Sri Lanka |
| 5-8 | China | 2-0 | Iran |
| Mei 10, 2012 (Khamis) | |||
| SF | Malaysia | 2-0 | India |
| SF | Pakistan | 6-1 | Korea |
| Mei 12, 2012 (Sabtu) | |||
| 7-8 | Sri Lanka | 18:05 | Iran |
| 5-6 | Japan | 20:05 | China |
| Mei 13, 2012 (Ahad) | |||
| 3-4 | India | 18:05 | Korea |
| FINAL | Malaysia | 20:05 | Pakistan |
| 6th Men's Junior Asia Cup (Under 21) 2008 |
Venue: Gachibowli Hockey Stadium, Hyderabad, India
1. India
2. Korea
3. Pakistan
4. Japan
5. Malaysia
6. Bangladesh
7. Oman
8. Singapore
Enam pasukan teratas layak ke Piala Dunia Remaja 2009 yang akan diadakan bersama diantara Malaysia dan Singapura.
| Kumpulan A | ||||||||
| RK | Pasukan | P | M | S | K | J | B | MT |
| 1 | India | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 9 |
| 2 | Japan | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 4 | 6 |
| 3 | Malaysia | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 1 |
| 4 | Singapore | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 17 | 0 |
| Kumpulan B | ||||||||
| RK | Pasukan | P | M | S | K | J | B | MT |
| 1 | Korea | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 22 | 3 | 7 |
| 2 | Pakistan | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 6 | 7 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 17 | 3 |
| 4 | Oman | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 23 | 0 |
| SCHEDULE (JADUAL) | |||
| Julai 11, 2008 (Jumaat) | |||
| A | Singapore | 2-2 | Malaysia |
| A | India | 2-0 | Japan |
| B | Bangladesh | 0-8 | Korea |
| B | Oman | 1-5 | Pakistan |
| Julai 12, 2008 (Sabtu) | |||
| A | Singapore | 1-9 | Japan |
| A | Malaysia | 1-3 | India |
| Julai 13, 2008 (Ahad) | |||
| B | Oman | 1-7 | Bangladesh |
| B | Pakistan | 3-3 | Korea |
| Julai 14, 2008 (Isnin) | |||
| A | Japan | 3-1 | Malaysia |
| A | India | 6-0 | Singapore |
| B | Pakistan | 8-2 | Bangladesh |
| B | Korea | 11-0 | Oman |
| Julai 16, 2008 (Rabu) | |||
| 5-8 | Malaysia | 5-1 | Oman |
| 5-8 | Bangladesh | 3-1 | Singapore |
| SF | India | 3-1 | Pakistan |
| SF | Korea | 4-1 | Japan |
| Julai 17, 2008 (Khamis) | |||
| 7-8 | Oman | 5-1 | Singapore |
| 5-6 | Malaysia | 1-0 | Bangladesh |
| Julai 18, 2008 (Jumaat) | |||
| 3-4 | Pakistan | 7-2 | Japan |
| FINAL | India | 3-2 (aet 2-2) | Korea |
| 5th Men's Junior Asia Cup (Karachi, Pakistan - 2004) |
Venue: Hockey Club of Pakistan, Karachi
1. India
2. Pakistan
3. Korea
4. Malaysia
5. Japan
6. Bangladesh
7. China
8. Singapore
9. Chinese-Taipei
10. Sri Lanka
| Rk | Pool A | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | Mata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pakistan | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 38 | 5 | 33 | 12 |
| 2 | Korea | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 24 | 11 | 13 | 9 |
| 3 | Japan | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 11 | 18 | -7 | 3 |
| 4 | Singapore | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 16 | -14 | 3 |
| 5 | Chinese Taipei | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 30 | -25 | 3 |
| Rk | Pool B | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | Mata |
| 1 | India | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 42 | 3 | 39 | 12 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 7 | 9 | 9 |
| 3 | Bangladesh | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 16 | -11 | 4 |
| 4 | China | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 17 | -12 | 4 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 27 | -25 | 0 |
B Malaysia 6-0 Sri Lanka;
B Bangladesh 2-2 China;
A Pakistan 9-0 Singapore;
A Chinese-Taipei 1-7 Japan.
April 21, 2004 (Rabu):
B China 0-10 India;
B Malaysia 2-0 Bangladesh;
A Japan 2-8 Korea;
A Pakistan 15-1 Chinese Taipei
April 22, 2004 (Khamis):
A Korea 5-0 Singapore;
B India 17-1 Sri Lanka.
April 23, 2004 (Jumaat):
A Japan 1-7 Pakistan;
A Singapore 0-1 Chinese Taipei
B China 2-5 Malaysia;
B Sri Lanka 1-3 Bangladesh.
April 24, 2004 (Sabtu):
A Chinese Taipei 2-8 Korea;
B Bangladesh 0-10 India.
April 25, 2004 (Ahad):
B Sri Lanka 0-1 China;
A Singapore 2-1 Japan;
B India 5-2 Malaysia;
A Korea 3-7 Pakistan.
April 26, 2004 (Isnin):
Rest Day.
April 27, 2004 (Selasa):
5/8: Japan 3-2 (golden goal, 2-2) China
* Fifth placed of Pool A vs Fifth placed of Pool B
5/8: Singapore 0-3 Bangladesh
SF: Pakistan 5-2 Malaysia
SF: India 0-0 (aet, pso 4-3) Korea.
April 28, 2004 (Rabu):
Classification matches.
9/10: Chinese Taipei 3-2 Sri Lanka
7/8: China 2-0 Singapore
5/6: Japan 1-0 Bangladesh
April 29, 2004: (Khamis):
3/4: Malaysia 1-2 Korea
FINAL Pakistan 2-5 India
| 4th Men's Junior Asia Cup (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - 2000) |
Venue: Stadium Hoki Nasional, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
| Rk | Pool A | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | Mata |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Korea | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 6 | 23 | 10 |
| 2 | Malaysia | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 3 | 23 | 10 |
| 3 | Pakistan | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 29 | 7 | 22 | 6 |
| 4 | Chinese Taipei | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 39 | -33 | 3 |
| 5 | Singapore | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 37 | -35 | 0 |
| Rk | Pool B | P | M | S | K | J | B | PG | Mata |
| 1 | India | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 5 | 55 | 15 |
| 2 | Japan | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 25 | 14 | 11 | 10 |
| 3 | China | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 35 | 15 | 20 | 9 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 5 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 22 | 12 | 10 | 7 |
| 5 | Uzbekistan | 5 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 11 | 38 | -27 | 3 |
| 6 | Iran | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 69 | -69 | 0 |
1. Korea
2. India
3. Malaysia
4. Japan
5. Pakistan
6. China
7. Bangladesh
8. Chinese-Taipei
9. Uzbekistan
10. Singapore
11. Iran
Mei 3, 2000:
A Chinese Taipei 1-13 Korea
A Pakistan 13-0 Singapore
B Bangladesh 1-5 India
B Iran 0-13 Japan
Mei 4, 2000:
A Chinese Taipei 0-12 Malaysia
B Japan 4-13 China
B Uzbekistan 1-5 Bangladesh
Mei 5, 2000:
A Korea 10-0 Singapore
B Uzbekistan 6-0 Iran
B India 8-1 China
Mei 6, 2000:
A Pakistan 12-0 Chinese Taipei
B Bangladesh 14-0 Iran
B Japan 2-9 India
Mei 7, 2000:
B China 11-1 Uzbekistan
A Malaysia 2-2 Korea
Mei 8, 2000:
B Japan 0-0 Bangladesh
B Iran 0-22 India
A Singapore 0-9 Malaysia
Mei 9, 2000:
B India 16-1 Uzbekistan
B Bangladesh 2-6 China
A Singapore 2-5 Chinese Taipei
A Korea 4-3 Pakistan
Mei 10, 2000:
B China 14-0 Iran
B Uzbekistan 2-6 Japan
A Pakistan 1-3 Malaysia
Mei 11, 2000:
Rest day/Hari Rehat
Mei 12, 2000:
9-12 Singapore 2-1 Iran
5-8 Pakistan 7-1 Bangladesh
SF Korea 4-1 Japan
5-8 Chinese Taipei 4-6 China
SF Malaysia 1-2 India
Mei 13, 2000:
Tempat 9/10 Singapore 1-7 Uzbekistan
Tempat 7/8 Bangladesh 2-1 Chinese Taipei
Tempat 5/6 Pakistan 3-0 China
Mei 14, 2000:
Tempat 3/4 Malaysia 2-1 Japan
Final: India 2-3 Korea
3rd Men's Junior Asia Cup (Singapore 1996)
Venue: Delta Sports Complex, Singapore
1. Pakistan
2. India
3. Japan
4. Korea
5. Malaysia
6. Bangladesh
7. China
8. Sri Lanka
9. Singapore
10. Thailand
Mei 29, 1996 (Rabu)
A Korea 4-1 China
B India 1-2 Bangladesh
B Malaysia 4-0 Singapore
Mei 30, 1996 (Khamis)
A Pakistan 11-0 Sri Lanka
B India 3-2 Japan
Mei 31, 1996 (Jumaat)
B Bangladesh 7-1 Singapore
A Thailand 1-10 Korea
A China 0-3 Pakistan
Jun 1, 1996 (Sabtu)
B Japan 2-2 Malaysia
A Sri Lanka 5-0 Thailand
Jun 2, 1996 (Ahad)
B India 9-0 Singapore
A Sri Lanka 1-4 China
B Korea 0-2 Pakistan
Jun 3, 1996 (Isnin)
A Japan v Singapore
A Malaysia v Bangladesh
Jun 8, 1996 (Sabtu)
Tempat 9/10 Singapore 2-0 Thailand
Tempat 7/8 Sri Lanka 1-4 China
Tempat 5/6 Malaysia 2-1 Bangladesh
Jun 9, 1996 (Ahad)
Tempat 3/4 Japan 2-2 (penalti strokes 4-1) Korea
Final Pakistan 2-2 (pso 5-4) India
2nd Men's Junior Asia Cup (Ipoh, Malaysia - 1992)
1. Pakistan
2. Malaysia
3. Korea
4. India
5. Bangladesh
6. China
7. Japan
8. Oman
9. Sri Lanka
10. Singapore
1st Men's Junior Asia Cup (Karachi, Pakistan - 1987)
1. Pakistan
2. Korea
3. India
4. Malaysia
5. China
6. Japan
7. Macau
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Malaysia v Pakistan final
NOTE: Pakistan 3-0 up by the 18th minute...
MALAYSIA played total attacking hockey to beat India 2-0 to keep their golden target alive in the Junior Asia Cup at the MBM Stadium in Malacca yesterday.
The win dented India’s dream of a hat-trick of titles, but it ignited a fire which might just land Malaysia their first Junior Asia Cup title.
Malaysia will play Pakistan on Sunday, while South Korea and India will battle for the bronze.
In the second semi-finals, Pakistan beat South Korea 6-1.
The tournament, incepted in 1987, saw Malaysia in the final only once in 1992, while it was failure at the semi-finals stage in 1987, 2000 and 2004.
“It is indeed a super show from my boys as they played non- stop hockey for 70 minutes. The title is within our reach now, and I believe in my players ability to deliver the gold in Malacca,” said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Faizal Saari, who played in the Dublin Olympic Qualifier, drew first blood off Malaysia’s second penalty corner in the 40th minute, when he sent the ball to the roof and sent 4,500- odd fans into wild celebrations.
And there were more misses, as sitters went a begging, but Syamim Yusof put the Indian’s to bed with a diving attempt after Faizal’s pass tricked bumpily towards him in the 65th minute.
“I was quite surprised to see India playing a defensive game, as they soaked in the pressure and only attacked on counter from both the flanks for 35 minutes.
“And my players were not sharp enough to score in the first half even though we had five chances. However, in the dressing room, we told them to take a step back and enjoy the game and don’t be in a hurry when in the semi-circle.
“That’s what won us the match and now we are just a step away from the second target in this tournament,” said team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
Mirnawan has been in this position before, as he skippered the 1992 team which reached the final of the Junior Asia Cup, only to lose the gold to Pakistan in Ipoh.
Malaysia have never been at the top of the podium in the Junior Asia Cup, but come Sunday, that dream might just become a reality.
RESULTS: Semi-finals -- Malaysia 2 India 0, Pakistan 6 South Korea 1.
SUNDAY: Final -- Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm); Third-Fourth: South Korea v India (5pm).
MALAYSIA played total attacking hockey to beat India 2-0 to keep their golden target alive in the Junior Asia Cup at the MBM Stadium in Malacca yesterday.
The win dented India’s dream of a hat-trick of titles, but it ignited a fire which might just land Malaysia their first Junior Asia Cup title.
Malaysia will play Pakistan on Sunday, while South Korea and India will battle for the bronze.
In the second semi-finals, Pakistan beat South Korea 6-1.
The tournament, incepted in 1987, saw Malaysia in the final only once in 1992, while it was failure at the semi-finals stage in 1987, 2000 and 2004.
“It is indeed a super show from my boys as they played non- stop hockey for 70 minutes. The title is within our reach now, and I believe in my players ability to deliver the gold in Malacca,” said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Faizal Saari, who played in the Dublin Olympic Qualifier, drew first blood off Malaysia’s second penalty corner in the 40th minute, when he sent the ball to the roof and sent 4,500- odd fans into wild celebrations.
And there were more misses, as sitters went a begging, but Syamim Yusof put the Indian’s to bed with a diving attempt after Faizal’s pass tricked bumpily towards him in the 65th minute.
“I was quite surprised to see India playing a defensive game, as they soaked in the pressure and only attacked on counter from both the flanks for 35 minutes.
“And my players were not sharp enough to score in the first half even though we had five chances. However, in the dressing room, we told them to take a step back and enjoy the game and don’t be in a hurry when in the semi-circle.
“That’s what won us the match and now we are just a step away from the second target in this tournament,” said team manager Mirnawan Nawawi.
Mirnawan has been in this position before, as he skippered the 1992 team which reached the final of the Junior Asia Cup, only to lose the gold to Pakistan in Ipoh.
Malaysia have never been at the top of the podium in the Junior Asia Cup, but come Sunday, that dream might just become a reality.
RESULTS: Semi-finals -- Malaysia 2 India 0, Pakistan 6 South Korea 1.
SUNDAY: Final -- Malaysia v Pakistan (8pm); Third-Fourth: South Korea v India (5pm).
Malaysia in the final!
Malaysia 2 India 0
2nd semis -- Pakistan leading Korea 2-0 with Irfan and Dilbar scoring and its only 14 minutes into the match,,,
2nd semis -- Pakistan leading Korea 2-0 with Irfan and Dilbar scoring and its only 14 minutes into the match,,,
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
India physically, and spiritually ready...
PIC: The India National Juniors Hockey players at Gurdwara Sahib Malacca.
INDIA are so serious about playing in the final of the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca, that their national coach Michael Nobbs flew to Malaysia on Tuesday from London after the senior side ended their Olympics Test Event.
Nobbs will no doubt watch the recorded Malaysian team's matches and help Baljit to plot Malaysia's downfall.
But it wont be easy, as Malaysia have also set their sights on beating India today to achieve their golden target.
The run-up has been more than satisfactory, as Malaysia started with a 6-1 win over Iran, then a 6-3 demolition of South Korea and finally a 3-1 win over Japan to qualify for the semi-finals, as well as the Junior World Cup.
India, on the other hand, has not been impressive as they were held 2-2 by Pakistan, edged China 2-1 and beat Sri Lanka 11-0.
"From what I have seen, the India team which played in the Sultan of Johor Cup were much more matured and skillful. And after changing 11 players, this India side look like they lack international match exposure," said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia beat India 5-1 to qualify for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup, and then beat Australia 3-2 for the gold medal.
"Even though this India team is looks much younger, but still, I believe the majority of the players are from one academy or hockey club back home.
"I'm saying this because their understanding is excellent and they move up to attack as a team by carefully charting their path," said Dharmaraj.
India coach Baljit Singh said they were never under any pressure form the start, as they were already in the World Cup: "Our real target here is to win a hat-trick of Junior Asia Cup titles."
India had a 45-day preparation at two venues, Bangalore and Pune.
“We were fortunate that both the seniors and juniors trained at the two venues simultaneously. This provided us with valuable sparring sessions and it worked out just fine for us,” Said Baljit.
India and Pakistan both wanted to avoid Malaysia in the semi-finals, so India scored 11 against Sri Lanka, but Pakistan hit 14 against the Lankans.
"Obviously, Malaysia are the favourites in this tournament and we wanted to avoid playing them in the semis, but now, we will play our best to achieve our gold target," said Baljit.
India have pedigree, as they won the last two editions in Karachi 2004 and Chennai 2008, but Malaysia are in top-flight, and look set to smash the India hat-trick dream.
RESULTS: Classification -- China x Iran x, Japan 5 Sri Lanka 1.
TODAY (THURSDAY): Semi-finals -- Malaysia v India (6pm), Pakistan v South Korea (8pm).
INDIA are so serious about playing in the final of the Junior Asia Cup in Malacca, that their national coach Michael Nobbs flew to Malaysia on Tuesday from London after the senior side ended their Olympics Test Event.
Nobbs will no doubt watch the recorded Malaysian team's matches and help Baljit to plot Malaysia's downfall.
But it wont be easy, as Malaysia have also set their sights on beating India today to achieve their golden target.
The run-up has been more than satisfactory, as Malaysia started with a 6-1 win over Iran, then a 6-3 demolition of South Korea and finally a 3-1 win over Japan to qualify for the semi-finals, as well as the Junior World Cup.
India, on the other hand, has not been impressive as they were held 2-2 by Pakistan, edged China 2-1 and beat Sri Lanka 11-0.
"From what I have seen, the India team which played in the Sultan of Johor Cup were much more matured and skillful. And after changing 11 players, this India side look like they lack international match exposure," said Malaysian coach K. Dharmaraj.
Malaysia beat India 5-1 to qualify for the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup, and then beat Australia 3-2 for the gold medal.
"Even though this India team is looks much younger, but still, I believe the majority of the players are from one academy or hockey club back home.
"I'm saying this because their understanding is excellent and they move up to attack as a team by carefully charting their path," said Dharmaraj.
India coach Baljit Singh said they were never under any pressure form the start, as they were already in the World Cup: "Our real target here is to win a hat-trick of Junior Asia Cup titles."
India had a 45-day preparation at two venues, Bangalore and Pune.
“We were fortunate that both the seniors and juniors trained at the two venues simultaneously. This provided us with valuable sparring sessions and it worked out just fine for us,” Said Baljit.
India and Pakistan both wanted to avoid Malaysia in the semi-finals, so India scored 11 against Sri Lanka, but Pakistan hit 14 against the Lankans.
"Obviously, Malaysia are the favourites in this tournament and we wanted to avoid playing them in the semis, but now, we will play our best to achieve our gold target," said Baljit.
India have pedigree, as they won the last two editions in Karachi 2004 and Chennai 2008, but Malaysia are in top-flight, and look set to smash the India hat-trick dream.
RESULTS: Classification -- China x Iran x, Japan 5 Sri Lanka 1.
TODAY (THURSDAY): Semi-finals -- Malaysia v India (6pm), Pakistan v South Korea (8pm).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)

