Japan, Malaysia show promise in SoJC
KUALA LUMPUR: Two teams at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) showed promise even in defeat at the Taman Daya Stadium on Saturday.
Japan bloomed like wild roses, while Malaysia showed they can fight when pushed against the wall.
The SoJC is being used by teams, except for Britain who did not qualify, to prepare early for next year’s Junior World Cup (JWC), and so far the most promising side is India.
Japan coach Hiroki Watanabe was surprised by his team’s fighting performance in the 3-2 defeat to Australia.
“My players earned their first cap in the match and they showed fighting qualities to match Australia.”
Australia were surprised by Japan’s tenacity as well, and they needed a penalty stroke to avoid a draw.
As for Malaysia, it was 30 minutes of panic in a steady drizzle, and then they gave 30 minutes of hope to coach Amin Rahim and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
“Give my players time, and I believe they will be ready for the JWC. I believe in them,” said Amin, a former international.
India were on full press the entire game, and won 5-2.
Happy Divali to India players as well as Malaysia’s T. Perabu and his teammates, may the SoJC be a favourable hunting ground in the next few days.
NST
