TERENGGANU coach K. Rajan expects his Malaysia Games squad to lead the way in the 59th Razak Cup at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The Razak Cup will be held on Nov 10-20, followed by the Junior Hockey League from Nov 26 to Jan 2 next year.
Twelve women's and 14 men's teams will battle for the Razak Cup crown. Perak won the men's gold last year while Terengganu were silver medallists. In the women's category, Pahang beat favourites Selangor 2-1 in the final.
"I have four national players in the seniors and three in the juniors training squad. But because both teams will be playing in international tournaments soon, I believe they will not be released for the Razak Cup.
"But it is not a problem, because every team won't be able to field national players. So, it will be a balanced tournament," said Terengganu coach K. Rajan.
The national junior team are expected to call up at least 21 players by Nov 5, as the Junior World Cup will be held in Bhubaneswar, India, on Nov 24-Dec 5. The seniors are preparing for the Asian Champions Trophy in December.
National women's coach Nasihin Nubli has said he will be releasing all his players for the women's Razak Cup, even though their Asian Champions Trophy is earlier on Dec 5-12.
"We will start training in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, and hopefully my young players will be able to play in the final again this year and change the colour of last year's medal," said Rajan.