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