Malaysia’s junior hockey team triumphs 5-1 against Austria in their Junior World Cup opener, securing three crucial points in Group E.
MALAYSIA’S national men’s junior hockey team began their Junior World Cup 2025 campaign impressively with a commanding 5-1 victory over Austria.
The Group E opener at Madurai International Hockey Stadium in Tamil Nadu saw the Young Tigers dominate from the outset.
Malaysia established a 2-0 first-half lead through Muhammad Harris Iskandar Osman’s 28th-minute penalty corner flick.
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Muhammad Adam Asyraf Mohd Johari extended the advantage with a field goal in the 47th minute.
Naaveennesh Panicker added a third goal via another penalty corner flick in the 55th minute.
Austria responded immediately with Julian Kaiser scoring their consolation goal just one minute later.
Muhammad Danish Aiman Khairul Anuar sealed the comprehensive win with two field goals in the final quarter.
Team manager Nor Saiful Zaini Nasiruddin praised his players for their brilliant performance and tactical discipline.
“We performed brilliantly, closing all the gaps for Austria to rise up and thus collecting the first three points,” he said.
Nor Saiful emphasized the importance of maintaining focus ahead of their next match against the Netherlands.
“Tomorrow will certainly not be an easy match because I consider the Netherlands to be one of the best teams in the world right now,” he cautioned.
He noted the Dutch team’s comprehensive skills and strong defensive capabilities.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation shared Nor Saiful’s comments through an audio release today. – Bernama
