New Straits Times: Malaysia will play their first match of the Azlan Shah Cup against Olympic champions Australia at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on 26 May.

The other world-class teams for the Azlan Shah Cup are Pakistan, India, South Korea, South Africa and New Zealand will play in the tournament from 26 May until 5 June.

National seniors coach Wallace Tan, in Alexandria to watch the Sahara Hockey Champions Challenge tournament, said it would be a chance for his men to prove themselves as he had plans to include juniors in his side after the Azlan Shah Cup.

'The seniors will have to prove themselves in the Azlan Shah Cup to cement their training spots for the World Cup Qualifier (in China next year),” he said.

'I have plans to include some juniors after their stint in the Junior World Cup (29 June-10 July in Holland),' said Wallace via a telephone interview after watching Argentina beat South Korea 5-2 in the final of the Champions Challenge.

The seniors have a capable skipper in S. Kuhan, who is also a deadly penalty corner flicker, but they are very weak up front.

This is the department that needs an infusion from the juniors, who are currently training under coach Sarjit Singh.

As for fitness, Wallace said: 'It is up to the individual players as they will be playing in the Malaysia Hockey League and should follow the training programme with their clubs.'

Article courtesy New Straits Times.