Test 4-Nation is all set to start at Johor Bahru

K. Arumugam in Johor Bahru

When was the last international hockey held in Johar Bahru, the city a causeway away from City-State Singapore?

None has the answer here. The almost near scratching of heads by those who heads so many committees here in Johor Bahru, including the Johor Bahru Hockey Association bigwigs, gives an idea as to where hockey stands in the region.

As one Liaison officer put it bluntly, hockey is ‘confined to a few schools’.

The Gentling Entertainment 4-Nation Invitational Hockey Tournament for Junior Men – this is the official nomenclature that would kick off today, Wednesday the 11th March, 2009 – thus breaks new ground in the Malaysian hockey annals. If hosting tournaments can stimulate sports – and that is a doubtful reality – this part can expect some hockey growth that Malaysia badly needs.

However it is interesting that four boys of the region, who picked up hockey elsewhere, are in the team. Malaysian team manager hopes this would bring some crowd, even more hoping that the boys won’t succumb to pressure, as ‘they will be playing before their parents and friends for the first time.

When Singapore and Pakistan clash in the first match today, this will also be the first official outing on newly laid Polytan turf.

There is a 1500-seater gallery on one side, while all other sides are open, without space for stands to come up. Ground work for the second turf seems to be nearly over, the pitching of the turf is expected to be finished in a month’s time. At least in time before the Junior World Cup

The stadium, being built by the city municipality, is at Taman Daya, a suburb about 12 km away from main city. It remains to be seen how much interest the public takes to travel thus far to witness colts hockey, now or three months later when a part of the Junior World Cup starts here.

There was a press conference at the New York Hotel, where the teams are put up, and the tournament secretariat functions from. Managers of the participating teams spoke. Pakistan’s 1984 World Cup gold medalist, Junaid, was the first to address followed by Anupam Ghulati (India) and Sharin Sharif (Singapore).

It appears India does not have any other engagements after this 4-Nation, while Pakistan will be touring Europe besides a 5-Nation tournament in Egypt.

Thus, it’s is last chance for chief coach AK Bansal to clean up whatever shortcomings are with the team — else he will not have another shot.

Bansal was confident of good showing here, as in his own words, ‘We reached semis or finals of all our engagements since last two years’.

Indian team arrived here on Monday via Kuala Lumpur. It took about five hours by road to reach Johar, after held up for more than an hour en route due to heavy rains. There is every possibility that the rains will be the feature here this week.

Madhavandass will be the Technical Director, while Butt from Pakistan the umpire manager. Harsh Vardhan from Andhra Pradesh is the Indian umpire here. Clarence Lobo and Vasant Iyenkar are support staff.