KUALA LUMPUR: National junior hockey coach I. Vickneswaran doesn't want to see more of his boys getting hurt before the Sultan of Johor Cup starts on Saturday.
So, he cancelled the friendly against India at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru today.
In yesterday's bruising friendly against brawny Britain, defender Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee suffered a mouth injury after he was elbowed by an opponent.
Four other Young Tigers were also unwell. Naaveennash Panicker, Disairul Fazrien Nazrien and Yadiy Saifuddin have been quarantined due to flu and fever.
The friendly matches are part of Malaysia's preparation for the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup.
Vickneswaran said he called off the match.
"I cannot risk more players getting injured in friendly matches. All the four players should recover in time for our opening match against New Zealand."
Young Tigers beat New Zealand (2-1) and Great Britain (1-0) in their friendly matches earlier.
The other teams for the SoJC are Australia and Japan.