KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is on track to host the men’s Junior World Cup (JWC) at the end of this year, with preparations almost 70% complete so far.
MHC competitions committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh said only some aspects such as accommodation and transport are still under discussion as they need approval from the International Hockey Federation (FIH).
He said MHC is working hard to make the tournament for the under-21 players a success. The tournament is scheduled from December 5 to 16 at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
“Preparations have reached 68%. All parties in MHC are busy with organising work. We will give the best for all 16 teams, at least a memorable tournament when they leave Malaysia,” he said at a press conference here today.
Anil Jeet said that although MHC suggested several venues for the prestigious tournament, FIH still wanted it to be held only in Bukit Jalil to facilitate the competing teams.
“All the matches will be held on Pitch 1 while Pitch 2 will be used for training and so on. The pitches are in good condition at the moment,” he said.
He also confirmed that the Tun Abdul Razak Cup competition will be held at Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Perak this time around from October 11 to 21, not to interfere with the JWC preparations in Bukit Jalil.
“This is the second time the Tun Abdul Razak Cup has not been held in the capital, after the 2017 edition which was also held in Ipoh,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the Malaysian Junior Hockey League 2023 will take place from August 3-19 involving 45 men’s and women’s teams over a course of 136 matches.
In addition to the National Hockey Stadium, matches for the under-19 tournament will also take place at Pantai Hockey Stadium and KPM Hockey Stadium in Kuala Lumpur; Bertam Hockey Stadium, Kepala Batas; and Bukit Serindit Hockey Stadium in Melaka.
Besides this, the MHC and Royal Selangor Club are working together for the first time to organise a National Veterans Championship from July 28 to 30 involving the above-40 and above-50 categories, to be played using the nine-a-side format at RSC in Bukit Kiara. – Bernama, June 6, 2023
