Financial constraints limit Mirnawan Cup to just eight teams

PETALING JAYA: This year’s Mirnawan Cup will see a slightly smaller number of international teams participating due to financial constraints.

The tournament, set to take place at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil from Nov 2-9, will feature just eight international teams compared to 10 last year.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the governing body were only able to accommodate eight international teams that will be based here during the tournament.

“This will be the fourth year this tournament is held; many countries have asked to be part of it,” said Subahan during a press conference yesterday.

“But we can’t accommodate everyone due to financial constraints. So we have to see which teams will give quality matches to our youngsters.

“There’s no point in organising a tournament just for the sake of it. The main goal is for it to have an impact on our players.”

In the Under-18 boys category, Malaysia will have two teams, Malaysia Speedy and Malaysia Tiger, along with Japan, South Africa, Queensland and Croc One Active.

The girls’ Under-18 department will have Malaysia Tigress with Japan, South Africa, Queensland and Croc One Active.

Meanwhile, national hockey legend Datuk Mirnawan Nawawi said having youth tournaments is important for rising players as opportunities to compete during their teenage years are scarce.

“Exposure is important, especially for the national players who are Under-18,” said Mirnawan.

“There aren’t many consistent invitational tournaments for age groups. I feel it’s important to have Under-18 competitions because it is a chance for the players to show their skills and improve their talents.

“And they will know their strengths and weaknesses when going up against international opponents.”

All teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top two teams facing off in the final for the title.