KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal is disappointed but knew from the onset that his Young Tigers would face a torrid time in Group A of the Junior World Cup (JWC).
However, a particular concern for him was the inconsistency displayed by coach Amin Rahim's boys throughout the campaign.
Malaysia finished 12th overall in the competition.
"I knew it would be difficult to walk into the quarter-finals with Australia and Argentina in the same group.
" Nonetheless, we prepared the players as best as possible to face these formidable opponents.
"What disappoints me is the inconsistency in their performance – excelling in one match and playing like beginners in another.
"This inconsistency is a concern that also affects the senior team," said Subahan.
Looking ahead to the future of the team, Subahan said nine players will still be eligible to play in the Junior Asia Cup (JAC) next year.
"Half of the team can represent Malaysia in the JAC next year, which serves as a qualifier for the 2025 JWC, and that's the positive takeaway from this tournament.
"The nine players are also eligible for the 2025 JWC, which will strengthen the next team," he added.
Expressing confidence in the potential transition, Subahan also sees the current batch of juniors as potential replacements for senior players, who may retire after the 2026 Nagoya Asian Games.