KUALA LUMPUR: The Perak boys hockey team are determined to defend their TNB-MHC-1MAS National Under-16 Championship title at this year’s edition for the fifth time.
Coach Abdul Sukur Adam said that to fulfil such a desire, they have carried out retailed preparations to face the championship which has a carnival atmosphere that will take place over a week beginning tomorrow (Saturday).
"Yes, we started preparing for the championship early on by selecting the very best players from each school.
"For this year’s edition, we have retained for players who featured last year. Whatever it is I have faith in the players this time round as they have what it takes to successfully defend the title.
"Among the teams that will be favourites are last year’s runners-up Terengganu, as well as Pahang,” he said during a press conference held earlier today (Friday).
Like Perak, the Kuala Lumpur girls hockey squad are also bent on defending the title that they won last year, according to coach A. Kanagi.
"It was our first and only title that we have won and this year we hope to triumph once more.
"I expect Penang and Johor to be our closest rivals that will challenge for the title,” said Kanagi.