Discipline key to World Cup success for hockey boys

KUALA LUMPUR: The National Juniors have been told to toe the line when the team compete in the Junior World Cup, which starts in New Delhi on Friday.

Team manager Mirnawan Nawawi said the players must follow instructions at all times.

“It does not matter if they are on the pitch or off it. Discipline in following instructions is essential. Off the field, what they eat and how they act in avoiding injuries is also crucial. On the pitch, they need to follow the plan the coaches come up with and not let their guard down at any stage.

“Many people say we have a good team and that we should do well. There is no doubt about the potential of the players selected but they must not take anything for granted,” said Mirnawan.
The players were in high spirit as they left for New Delhi Sunday morning. The team will play a friendly with Germany on Tuesday.

“We are happy with the one match against the Germans. After all, we have completed our preparations and the only thing that needs to be addressed is to get acclimatised to the weather conditions in New Delhi.

“As we have five days before the opening tie, I believe there is ample time for the players to adapt to the conditions,” said Mirnawan.

Besides Minarwan, the team is packed with former internationals, like coach K. Dharmaraj and assistant coaches Nor Azlan Bakar and K. Gobinathan.

Two special coaches – 1MAS director Lim Chiow Chuan and penalty corner specialist Len Aiyappa – will also be in New Delhi.

Also in the squad are team doctor Dr Rozaiman Ebrahim, physio Razana Abdul Raffar (ISN), video analysis Musrizal Muzamin (ISN), sports dietitian Mohd Qusyairy Ajmain Mohd Amin (ISN), mental trainer Mohd Sallehin Abdul Jalil  (ISN) and masseur Mohd Aizul (ISN).

“We have a complete team of experts and the players will be given all the help to stay calm before the start of every match,” said Mirnawan.

Malaysia will begin their Group D campaign against New Zealand on Friday. The other teams in the group are South Africa and England.



by S. Ramaguru - The Star