SEPANG, Dec 17 — The achievement of the national junior squad at the 2013 Junior World Cup in New Delhi, India will form the foundation for the future national hockey squad.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin therefore hoped the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) would continue with its back up development programme.

“The junior squad will be the core for us to build the future team as some members of the squad have played for the senior team,” he told reporters after welcoming the return of the junior hockey squad at Kuala Lumpur International Airport here today.

The squad under coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah arrived at 5am and were received by representatives of MHC and the National Sports Council (NSC) as well as family members of players.

Asked on the form of reward for the junior squad for winning fourth place in the Junior World Cup, Khairy said the Youth and Sports Ministry would discuss the matter with the NSC and MHC.

“We will look into something special for them. This is in view of their achievement which was neither at Southeast Asian nor Asian standard but at world level.

“I hope Malaysians will recognise the accomplishment of our junior players as it is not an easy task to go that far,” he said.

The national junior squad concluded the Junior World Cup in fourth place after 2-7 to Holland in the third placing playoff on Sunday.

The performance of the 2013 project squad exceeded MHC’s target of a top six placing in the championship and it also equalled Malaysia’s achievement in the same championship back in 1979, 1982 and 1985.

On head coach Muhammad Dharma Raj’s contract which would expire at the end of 2013, Khairy said,” Dharma Raj has proven himself through the achievement.

“So, there is no need for us to comment further as the feat speaks for itself. If MHC is willing, I am confident his contract will be extended,” he said. — Bernama