KUALA LUMPUR: National Hockey Development Programme (NHDP) general manager S. Velappan believes the Under-17 Mirnawan Cup can be turned into another signature tournament to develop players for future Junior World Cups.
Malaysia already have two internationally acclaimed tournaments, and even though the Mirnawan Cup is only into its second edition, invited teams are already planning to return next season.
Starting with the iconic Azlan Shah Cup, followed by the Sultan of Johor Cup which is the only Under-21 invitational in the world, the Mirnawan Cup is set to bloom with better planning and early invitations.
"This year we could not field our Under-17 NHDP players because the SPM examinations (Dec 5-March 7) were brought forward. We fielded two 17 year-olds and 16 others are 16-years-old.
"All of them are products of the NHDP programme and even though they had one bad match against South Africa (lost 7-0) they played well in the 2-1 win against Australia All Stars as well during the 3-2 defeat to Odisha from India.
"The Australian and South African players are 17, while India have fielded their 16-year-olds.
"We have received good feedback from invited teams, and will work to make the Mirnawan Cup one of the best boys and girls' Under-17 Invitationals in the world," said Velappan.
Named after triple Olympian Mirnawan Nawawi, NHDP sponsors teams' lodging, food and internal transportation. Teams only have to buy air tickets and enjoy a quality age-group tournament.
"Since the JWC is now going to be held every two years (instead of four) NHDP can help prepare youth for national selection and those selected to play in the Mirnawan Cup will also get early international exposure.
"NHDP also has plans to send a few coaches to Australia next year, and they will bring home valuable experience to impart to other state coaches," said Velappan.
A massive group of 5,550 Under-12, Under-14 and Under-17 boys and girls undergo training and competition at 111 NHDP centres nationwide, and scouting for 18 national juniors has now become challenging as there is a huge pool to select from.
In the Mirnawan Cup boys tournament, the Malaysian A team will play for bronze against Australia All Stars on Saturday, while Odisha from India and South Africa will battle for gold.
RESULTS:
Boys: Australia All Stars 6 Malaysia B 0; Odisha 3 South Africa 3