KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- Malaysia are on a mission to qualify on merit for the Women's Hockey Junior World Cup 2025 for the first time when they compete in the Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Al Amarat, Muscat, Oman from Dec 7-15.
Five World Cup spots will be up for grabs in the Muscat qualifying tournament, with Malaysia drawn in Group A with India, China, Thailand and Bangladesh while Group B comprises Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Sri Lanka.
National women's hockey team manager Datuk Mohd Saiyuti Abd Samat said the Young Tigress will be led by 11 players who have gained invaluable experience with the senior squad.
He also praised Young Tigress head coach Lailin Abu Hassan and his coaching panel for doing a good job in developing the team and is confident that the team can produce a positive outcome in the Asia Cup in Muscat.
"In 2022, Malaysia made it to the Women's Junior World Cup after Japan pulled out. So, for 2025, I am targeting them to create history by qualifying for the World Cup on merit for the first time.
"These players are talented and can go far. Every player realises her responsibility and the team's mission in Muscat. I want them to focus on giving their best and I am confident that the unity they have forged will spur them to success,” he said in a statement issued by the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) today.
Meanwhile, Lailin said the team had undergone several phases of training before the 20-player list was finalised, including competing in the TNB Tun Abdul Razak Cup 2024 competition where the Young Tigress emerged as champions.
"We are in Group A (in the Junior Asia Cup), which is a very difficult group. However, my coaches and I have made the best possible plans and will take it one match at a time.
"For me, we will try our best to steal a point against India and China while our outings against Thailand and Bangladesh are must-win matches,” he said, adding that he wants to see his charges show their never-say-die spirit to help Malaysia reach the 2025 Junior World Cup.
Malaysia will meet Thailand on Saturday (Dec 7), followed by India (Dec 9) and Bangladesh (Dec 11) before wrapping up their Group A fixture against China (Dec 12).
Following are the 20 national players who will feature in the Women's Hockey Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Oman:
| NO | NAME | POSITION | AGE |
| 1 | Nur Hazlinda Zainal Abidin | Goalkeeper | 21 |
| 2 | Sazanianie Sabinus | Goalkeeper | 20 |
| 3 | Anith Humaira Baharudin | Defender | 21 |
| 4 | Zawiatul Akma Hartomo | Defender | 20 |
| 5 | Nur Shafika Ahmad Kamil | Defender | 21 |
| 6 | Nur Syahirah Azwan | Defender | 20 |
| 7 | Nor Farida Sulaiman | Defender | 21 |
| 8 | Nur Aisyah Che Musa | Tengah | 19 |
| 9 | Siti Nur Irdina Mohd Nor | Midfielder | 20 |
| 10 | Thibatharshini James | Midfielder | 21 |
| 11 | Siti Nur Atika Shaikh Maznan | Midfielder | 21 |
| 12 | Nor Zulaikha Nazihah Tamjit | Midfielder | 20 |
| 13 | Nurdini Batrisyia Mohd Ridzuan | Midfielder | 18 |
| 14 | Nurshamine Azureen Mohammed Badusha | Forward | 19 |
| 15 | Zati Alyani Muhammad Zubir | Forward | 19 |
| 16 | Azmyra Mia Sofea Azhairy | Forward | 20 |
| 17 | Noor Asyiqin Syakirah Noor Hisyam | Forward | 20 |
| 18 | Nur Iman Adawiyah Mohd Suhaimi | Forward | 18 |
| 19 | Nur Atirah Fitriah Syamsul Dzuanizam | Forward | 20 |
| 20 | Nur Atiqah Najwa Sutimi | Forward | 19 |
-- BERNAMA
