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Malaysia slam Under-18 Asia Cup draw as unfair

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are unhappy over the draw for the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament, which will be held in Myanmar from Nov 11-22.

They have been drawn in Group A with defending champions India, Pakistan, Taiwan and Sri Lanka. Group B comprises South Korea, Japan, Bangladesh, Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar.

Coach K. Dharmaraj said that it was an unfair draw to have the top three-rated teams – India, Pakistan and Malaysia – in the same group.

“South Korea and Japan are not strong in age-group tournaments but they are both in the weaker group,” he said.

“I have asked the MHF (Malaysian Hockey Federation) to make a complaint about the draw to the AHF (Asian Hockey Federation) and also the FIH (International Hockey Federation.

“The tournament is an important assignment for us as the winners will qualify for the Youth Olympics in Singapore next year.”

Dharmaraj added that despite the unfavourable draw, the team are in high spirits ahead of the tasks in Mynmar.

There are now 23 players in training and five will be dropped after two friendly matches against Pakistan in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 5 and 6.

Meanwhile, 18-year-old Faisal Saari, who is with the national senior team for the World Cup qualifying tournament in Invercargill, New Zealand, from Nov 7-15, will join the team in Myanmar on Nov 17.

“We need him for the match against Pakistan, which will be held on Nov 18,” said Dharmaraj.

Malaysia open their campaign against Taiwan on Nov 11 and their matches against India and Sri Lanka will be played on Nov 14 and Nov 16 respectively.

It is only the second edition of the tournament. The first was held in Ipoh in 2001 and India emerged as the champions, beating Uzbekistan in the final. Malaysia were beaten in the playoff for third place by South Korea. THE STAR

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