PETALING JAYA: Malaysia will begin their Junior Asia Cup Group B campaign against China today at the Oman Hockey Stadium, and coach I. Vikneswaran (pic) has urged his team to be ready for a disciplined and formidable opponent.
Vikneswaran expects the Chinese juniors to mirror their seniors’ tactical discipline and fitness.
China’s senior hockey team have improved significantly in recent years – they drew 4-4 against Malaysia at the 2022 Asian Games and beat them 4-2 in the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy.
“Those records cannot be taken lightly and they are key markers for us. Whether it is senior or junior team, we cannot underestimate China,” said Vikneswaran.
“China’s strength lies in their teamwork. They’re disciplined, fit, and regimented – traits that define Chinese sports.
Malaysia will kick off their Group B campaign by taking on the East Asian nation at the Oman Hockey Stadium in Muscat, Oman, today, and Vikneswaran has reminded his charges of what they can offer.
China’s senior team have been doing well in the last two years, and Malaysia have struggled against them during the Hangzhou Asian Games last year and the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) this year.
Malaysia enter the tournament on the back of a disappointing Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) campaign, where they lost all group matches and finished last after a penalty shootout loss to Japan.
However, Vikneswaran remains optimistic, emphasising the team’s recent improvements after 12 matches under his guidance, including tours in Australia and Johor.
“The boys know the importance of this tournament. We’ve adapted well to Oman’s conditions, and everyone, from drag flickers to goal scorers, need to step up and deliver,” he said.
The Junior Asia Cup serves as a qualifier for the 2025 Junior World Cup, with the top six teams earning spots.
Malaysia’s Group B opponents include Pakistan, Oman, and Bangladesh.
