KUALA LUMPUR: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has finally introduced a junior ranking system, and Malaysia are eighth in the world, with Argentina occupying the top spot. Hosts Malaysia are in Group A with Argentina, world No. 9 Australia and No. 20 Chile in the Junior World Cup (JWC) here from Dec 5-16.
Argentina confirmed their participation in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC) from Oct 27-Nov 4 but later withdrew due to financial constraints. It could have been a perfect opportunity for Malaysia to spar with the South American team at the SoJC ahead of the JWC.Making up the teams in the SoJC are Germany, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Britain and South Africa.
FIH said: "The junior world ranking system was introduced in June to reflect the results of the under-21 age group. "It is a tournament-based system and will be constantly impacted by the performance of each new generation of athletes.
"It can be used as a tool to evaluate the development of hockey in each nation."The current rankings take into account the results of the last three JWCs and continental events.
Malaysia were eighth in the 2021 Bhubaneswar JWC and fourth in the Oman Junior Asia Cup in May.Malaysia's junior team will head to Europe for a two-week playing tour ahead of the JWC.
They plan to play friendlies against Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands."We have about six months to work on fitness, penalty corners and tactics. And the tour will benefit the team," said national junior coach Amin Rahim today.
"Germany have responded. We are still waiting for the other two nations."The team had issues with fitness and penalty corner conversions during the Phnom Penh Sea Games and the Asia Cup this year.
"We are working on fitness and penalty corners, and things are improving. "I believe the team will be stronger in the SoJC," Amin added.
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