National Juniors’ Coach: "We Can Still Make a Comeback"
JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 21 (Bernama) — Despite losing their opening two matches in the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) hockey tournament, National Juniors head coach I. Vikneswaran remains optimistic about his team’s chances.
The Challenge Ahead
The coach is adamant that his men can prove their mettle when they take on India, who are sitting pretty at the top of the six-team standings, tomorrow. "India have won their first two matches, so we have to come up with a plan. In this tournament, from what I see, just because the team is at the top, doesn’t mean it will win all its matches. The same goes the other way around… just because we are at the bottom, it doesn’t mean we will lose all our games. There are always opportunities available. The players must learn from the experience gained and never be complacent," he told a post-match press conference after the Malaysia-Japan match at the Johor Hockey Stadium last night.
Positives from Defeats
Vikneswaran identified a few positives that he could take from their defeats to Japan and New Zealand, particularly when it comes to playing under pressure. "This is our chance to see how we handle ourselves when we are in a pressure-cooker situation before the Junior World Cup qualifiers," he said.
The National Juniors, also known as the Young Tigers, lost their opening match 3-2 to New Zealand before being hammered 4-1 by Japan and things will only get tougher tomorrow as they are down to face three-time SOJC champions India.
Roadmap to Recovery
To bounce back against India, Vikneswaran called on the Young Tigers to work harder and tighten up their game in certain areas, especially their penalty corner set pieces. "This is our chance to see how we handle ourselves when we are in a pressure-cooker situation before the Junior World Cup qualifiers," he said.
Japan’s Coach Eyes Next Match
Meanwhile, Japan head coach Yoshihiro Anai was purring with delight after watching his team bag their first three points with a 4-1 win over Malaysia. "They were good at pressing and were very compact… just as we analysed… Our focus now shifts to the next game against Australia… so, we have to be prepared," he said.
Conclusion
Despite the National Juniors’ tough start to the tournament, coach Vikneswaran remains committed to his team’s progress. With a change of strategy and a bit of luck, the Young Tigers can still make a comeback in the remaining matches. The road to recovery starts now, and only time will tell if they can turn things around.
FAQs
- What is the National Juniors’ current standing in the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup?
- The team has lost their opening two matches, but their next match against India will be a crucial test of their mettle.
- What are the key areas the National Juniors need to improve in their game to bounce back against India?
- Coach Vikneswaran has identified the need to tighten up their penalty corner set pieces and work harder in certain areas of the game.
- What is the National Juniors’ ultimate goal in the 2024 Sultan of Johor Cup?
- The team is aiming to learn from their experiences and gain valuable match-practice before the Junior World Cup qualifiers.