Baptism of fire for Adam, Malaysia’s youngest in Junior World Cup 

KUALA LUMPUR: It will be a baptism of fire for 17-year-old midfielder Muhammad Adam Ashraf Mohd Johari as he becomes the youngest player named to the Malaysian hockey team for the 2023 FIH Men’s Junior World Cup (JWC) challenge from Dec 5-16 at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.

According to the final list of 20 players, including two reserve players, announced by National Team Management Committee chairman Datuk Ahmad Najmi Abdul Razak yesterday, 18 players from the recent 2023 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) squad have been retained.

They were also joined by two midfielders – Muhammad Addy Jazmi Jamlus and Muhammad Danish Danial Abdul Wahab – who suffered injuries earlier.

The JWC is a biennial tournament for players aged 21 and below, featuring 16 countries.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Adam Ashraf said the golden opportunity given to him will be used well to prove his talent and his ability.

“When I was first called to the team, I didn’t feel confident as I am still young and I didn’t expect it because I had to compete with older players. However, now after a year’s experience with the team at the SOJC, the Asian Youth Cup and the SEA Games, I am more confident to show my sterner stuff as to what is expected for the country.

“For me, the team’s performance has improved, every player has shown improvement ahead of this JWC,” said the native of Tumpat, Kelantan when met after the JWC squad was announced here today.

National Juniors head coach Muhamad Amin Rahim also had confidence in Muhammad Adam’s potential, saying the spunky lad was selected for the team due to his spirited performance.

Muhamad Amin said that the squad was selected through several main criteria, namely hockey skills, physique and special skills such as penalty corner hits.

He said although his men only finished the SOJC competition in seventh place out of eight countries in Johor Bahru earlier this month, there are many positive aspects that can be seen in the team.

“I can see the players are very motivated, the post-mortem after the SOJC also showed many positive aspects. The sentiment in the team is good and they are improving by the day.

“During this week, we will touch up and try to correct some glitches, even if we cannot make massive changes,” he said, adding that the Juniors will play a friendly match against India this Sunday.

Malaysia, who were drawn in Group A, will open their campaign against Chile next Tuesday (Dec 5), followed by action against defending champions Argentina on Wednesday (Dec 6) and will close the group stage against 1997 champions Australia on Dec 8.

List of selected players:

 – BERNAMA