KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak Hockey Association (PHA) will reward their state team with cash incentives if they retain their Razak Cup crown for the fourth consecutive time.
PHA president Sayuti Samat said each player from last year's team received RM5,000 for their outstanding performance in retaining the title.
"We will definitely award them with (cash) incentives if they successfully defend their title this year," said Sayuti today.
"We have retained nearly all the players from last year's team, and K. Rajan has been appointed as coach."
Perak are in Group B with Terengganu, Johor, Kuala Lumpur, Armed Forces and Negri Sembilan, while Group B consists of Pahang, Melaka, Perlis, Penang, Police, Selangor and Kedah.
Perak, who outplayed Pahang 5-1 in the final last year, will open their campaign against KL tomorrow at the Ministry Education Stadium (KPM) here.
The women's competition will comprise 13 teams.
Defending champions Selangor are in Group A with Penang, Armed Forces, Negri Sembilan, Sabah and Perak while Melaka, Pahang, Terengganu, KL, Police and Johor are in Group B.
Selangor coach Ikmal Abdul Jabar said they have lost four national players to the national women's team, who are preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, India from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
"We have a mixed team of seniors and juniors. It would be a good exposure for the juniors who are preparing for next year's Malaysia Games in Sarawak," said Ikmal.
FixturesTomorrow
Men's Group A: Perak v KL (5.30pm), Armed Forces v Negri (7.30pm), Terengganu v Johor (9.30pm) — matches at KPM Stadium;
Group B: Pahang v Selangor (5.30pm), Melaka v Police (7.30pm), Perlis v Penang (9.30pm) — matches at National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.
Women's Group A: Selangor v Negri (8am), Sabah v Perak (10am), Armed Forces v Penang (3.30pm) — matches at KPM Stadium;
Group B: Melaka v Johor (8am), Pahang v Police (10am), Terengganu v KL (3.30pm) — matches at National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil.