The 2018 Sultan of Johor Cup is set to begin from the 6th to the 13th of October in Johor Baru, Malaysia. The tournament is a high profile event, as it features 3 of the top Asian sides that will go head-to-head with Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
The 3 Asian teams are India, Japan and hosts Malaysia. India ranked number 1 in Asia would be looking to apply and improve upon their techniques and strategies implemented during the 18thAsian Games in Jakarta Palembang. Japan, after having clinched Gold at the Asian Games and shown strong performances at the Darwin International Hockey Open would be feeling confident with the level of hockey being they have been playing.
The tournament shall be played on a round robin basis, with each team playing 1 match each against all the remaining teams. The top two teams shall compete for the 1st and 2nd position, the 3rd and 4thranked teams shall play for 3rdand 4thand the last two teams shall compete for 5th and 6th position.
The last edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup proved Australia to be victorious. India has been the most successful Asian side winning the competition on two occasions. They have also ended up Runners Up twice as well as claimed the 3rdposition in the 2017 edition. Malaysia won the first edition of the tournament back in 2011, while they claimed the Runners Up position in 2013. Pakistan’s best finish has been in the 2016 edition where they finished 2nd in the tournament.
The 3 Asian sides would be willing to compete for top positions after having put in extra effort in training and having had decent playing time in the Asian Games and the Darwin International Open. Malaysia is set to host an exciting and one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year, which will have fans on the edge of their seats.
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