SOJC nets RM3.4 million

Press Release

Sultan of Johor Cup

International recognition for SOJC

The 9th edition of the Sultan of Johor Cup promises a high level of competition based on the early confirmation of the participating teams.

In what can only be deemed as keen interest, the six teams participating in the world’s first junior invitation confirmed their participation well in advance, with all teams confirming their entry by May.

And the Johor Hockey Association had to turn away requests from two other countries.

With astute organisational abilities and sound support from the Johor Stats Government and private sector sponsor, the SOJC has gained reputation as being one of the most sought after tournaments in the world.

With the decision of the International Hockey Federation ( FIH) to hold the Junior World Cup every two years beginning from 2021, this will mean that more teams will be seeking invites to participate in this annual tournament.

“ When we first started in 2011, the challenge was to sustain interest in this tournament as not many focus on youth development,” said Organising Secretary of the SOJC, Dato Majid Manjit Abdullah.

“ But over the years it grew from strength to strength and we are grateful to HRH Sultan of Johor and the Royal Family for their continued support of this tournament.

“ With a rather tight Hockey calendar next two years, we have already determined the dates for the next two years, 2020 and 2021 and awaiting the confirmation from FIH.

“ This lead time will give countries time to plan their participation and we foresee more teams that will want to seek invites.

“ As it is we have two teams who have already indicated interest for next years tournament although we have yet to make the dates public.

“ Such is the aura and appeal of the SOJC internationally .”

For this year, the six teams that have confirmed participation are defending champions Great Britain, two tomes winners India and Australia, as well as Japan, New Zealand and Malaysia.

The teams are expected to start arriving in the first week of October and play several friendly matches amongst themselves before the tournament gets underway from October 12 to 19 at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.

A total of RM1.6 million was contributed by sponsors for this years tournament, and the low sponsorship was as a result of the worldwide economic downturn.

Still the JHA are unperturbed as they have initiated a cost cutting mechanism without taking away the class and glamour normally associated with an internationally acclaimed tournament of this magnitude.

And with the Taman Daya Stadium set to undergo a facelift for the 2020 Malaysia Games, and with more interest from countries, Johor Hockey Association could well make this a seven team affair beginning 2020.

List of sponsors

UM Land – 4 story Shop Office at Fortuna Hub Seri Alam Johor worth RM1.8 million

Johor State Government – RM500k

RTM – RM200k

Johor Corporation – RM100k

Iskandar Waterfront – RM100k

Tenaga Nasional Berhad – RM100k

Atlan Holdings – RM100k

UM Land – RM100k

Astaka Padu – RM50k

JBB Builders – RM50k

Berjaya Tines Square – RM50k

Genting Malaysia – RM50k

MMC – RM50k

KH Land – RM50k

Syarikat Air Johor – RM50k

Southkey – RM30k

Puteri Hotel – Official Hotel

100 Plus – In Kind

Kuns/ Regent Sports – In Kind