Malaysia wants to fight for the one Asian slot remaining for the 2017 World Youth Rugby Tournament by emerging champion in the 2015 Asia Rugby Under-19 Championships (Division 1) from Dec 1-6 at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Shah Alam.
With the withdrawal of the Philippines and South Korea, Thailand is the only hurdle for Malaysia to overcome in order to emerge as Division 1 champion and gain promotion to Tier 1 (Top Division) in 2016.
However, to reach the World Youth Tournament would not be an easy task since only the champion of the Top Division among the Asia's top five teams would get the remaining one berth.
Malaysia Rugby Union (MRU) general manager, Mohd Mazuri Sallehudin is confident that the Malaysian boys can overcome Thailand with home ground advantage.
"We and Thailand have almost the same capabilities in strength and weakness but we hope to overcome them. After that, we need to fight hard against Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Chinese Taipei to secure a spot in the World Youth Tournament.
"South Korea withdrew from the tournament due to its internal crisis in the union and the Philippines' withdrawal was because of financial problems. So we will go head to head with Thailand to determine who will move to the Top Division," he told reporters at the Cobra Rugby Club here, today.
Mohd Mazuri also announced Tan Thiam Jin as the team manager, Nik Safuan Ismade Nik Man as head coach, Mohammad Faiz Samsukhidir as assistant coach and Cobra Rugby Club as the National U-18 and U-19 Project Management Team.
Commenting on the team selection process, Cobra Rugby Club President, Col. Tommy Pereira said 25 players would be selected to represent the country after the two phases of selection conducted by the club together with MRU and Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia.
"From 81 players identified through various tournaments in the country, 42 will attend the first phase at the Cobra Club from Sept 18-22 to narrow it down to 25 players.
"On Nov 12, these 25 players would play against a team of 25 players from Sekolah Sukan Tunku Mahkota Ismail (SSTMI) Johor in a friendly match," he said.
Bernama
Mon Sep 14 2015
MOHD MAZURI: Malaysian boys can overcome Thailand with home ground advantage. - BERNAMApic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.