Malaysia, Replacing Japan, To Make Debut at Women's Junior World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 11 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will make its debut at the 2022 Women's Junior World Cup hockey championship at Potchefstroom in South Africa from April 1-12, thanks to Japan’s withdrawal. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC), in a statement Thursday, said Malaysia would be represented by the National Women's Special Project Squad. “Malaysia was selected (by FIH) to fill the slot on merit as the country is ranked fifth in Asia, and MHC is pleased with the opportunity offered to the National Women's Special Project Squad. "Since the Women's Junior World Cup hockey championship was introduced in 1989 in Ottawa, Canada, this is the first time the Malaysian women's junior team will make an appearance at the prestigious tournament," MHC said. MHC president Subahan Kamal, in the same statement, said he was elated with the news and described the FIH invitation as an honour for Malaysian hockey. He said playing in the world championship is in line with Malaysia’s mission to turn the national team into world-beaters in the next five years. “After discussions between the top management of MHC and the National Sports Council (NSC), we unanimously agreed to accept the opportunity offered to participate in the 2022 Women's Junior World Cup. “This is a historic moment for Malaysian women's hockey which we should be proud of. All planning and preparations including the full list of players for the tournament will be announced in the near future," said Subahan. Apart from Malaysia, which is ranked 20th in the world, and hosts South Africa, the field includes defending champions Argentina, the Netherlands, England, Germany, India, South Korea, Ireland, Canada, the United States, Russia, Wales, Uruguay, Ukraine and Zimbabwe. -- BERNAMA