KUALA LUMPUR: The National men’s junior hockey squad or also known as the ‘Young Tigers’ must not be carried away with the 1-0 win over India in a friendly match at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, on Sunday.
Sports analyst Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli said the Young Tigers must instill the spirit of winning when they open their campaign in the 2023 Junior World Cup (JWC) against Chile at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil today.
Pekan feels that if coach Muhamad Amin Rahim’s charges can defeat Chile in their opening match tomorrow, it will certainly serve as a drawcard for hockey lovers in the country to fill the stands for their second match against Argentina.
The presence and support of a strong crowd can serve as a tonic for the players who will be up against Argentina, currently the best team in the world and the defending champion.
“Malaysia and India are teams that often play each other and furthermore, it was close to the start of the tournament and despite the win we should not be over confident,” he told Bernama when contacted yesterday.
Pekan also urged football fans who will be coming to watch the Malaysia Cup final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Friday, to come early and watch the Malaysia versus Argentina match played earlier to provide moral support, since entrance is free. — BERNAMA
