KUALA LUMPUR – The national junior hockey squad have intensified their build-up for the Junior Asia Cup (JAC) with a demanding five-match tour of Japan, which includes a rare clash against the Japanese senior national team ahead of the continental tournament in Moqi, China, this September.
The team departed for Tokyo on Sunday, where they will undergo a packed schedule of friendlies aimed at boosting competitiveness and exposing the players to faster, more structured opposition ahead of the Sept 4–13 JAC campaign.
The tour opens on July 7 with a stern test against Japan’s senior side, before Malaysia take on Japan’s under-21 team in four consecutive matches on July 8, 10, 11 and 12.
National junior head coach Nor Saiful Zaini said the assignment comes at a pivotal stage in the team’s development, particularly as he works with a reshuffled squad featuring several new additions.
“These five matches are extremely important for us because they give us a clear picture of where we stand against structured and disciplined opposition like Japan,” he told Scoop when contacted.
“Most importantly, I want to see how the new players respond under pressure, how quickly they adapt, and whether they can execute our game plan consistently across back-to-back high-level matches.
“This is not just about results. It is about building understanding, correcting our weaknesses, and identifying the right combinations before we head to the Junior Asia Cup. Every match will give us different lessons.”
Nor Saiful added that qualification for next year’s Junior World Cup remains the ultimate objective, with the top six finishers at the JAC earning automatic berths.
“We know the stakes in Moqi are very high because a place in the Junior World Cup is on the line,” he said.
“But we also believe in our preparation process. If we can stay disciplined, improve with every game, and maintain our focus, we have a realistic chance of achieving that goal.
“At the same time, we are not underestimating any opponent. At this level, any team can punish you if you are not fully prepared.”
Among the 20 players selected for the tour is Gagandeep Singh, son of former national forward Aphthar Singh, who is among the new faces being evaluated during the Japan assignment.
The tour is expected to serve as a crucial testing ground for Malaysia as they fine-tune their squad ahead of one of the key youth hockey competitions on the Asian calendar. – July 5, 2026