KUALA LUMPUR: The national junior men's hockey team changed their initial target of reaching the final in the Under-21 Sultan of Johor Cup to a top-three finish.
This is because they won't have the services of two national defenders, Andywalfian Jeffrynus and Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, who is also a penalty corner drag flicker.
Both the players are preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy in Punjab, India from Oct 27 to Nov 5.
Azimuddin was a member of the Malaysian team that won silver at the recent Asian Games in Japan.
The other teams in the fray are Pakistan, Japan, China and Canada. The tournament begins on Saturday at Taman Daya Hockey Stadium in Johor.
National junior coach Nor Saiful Zaini said Andywalfian and Azimuddin are both experienced players who have played for the national senior team.
"Andywalfian's services are needed as he marshals the defence well and Azimuddin is good with drag flicks. Azimuddin also played in the Junior World Cup in India last year.
"Both are preparing for the tournament in India. Without them, we won't be strong in defence. I have to rely on the younger players in defence.
"Teams like Pakistan, Japan and China will pose a threat to us in the tournament. I am not sure about the strength of Canada.
"I will be satisfied if my players can finish top three in SoJC," said the three-time Olympian.
Nor Saiful added that the good news is that Maybank and Tenaga Nasional have released Eswaran George and T. Naavaneesh Panicker, who are playing in the Malaysia Hockey League (MHL), to play in SoJC.
The national junior team will open their campaign against China on Oct 18.
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