A boat ride to the opening ceremony, an upgraded stadium that can telecast matches in high definition and a bunch of enthusiastic officials that are set to make the 7th Junior Asia Cup a resounding success.
That is what awaits the eight teams in Malacca when the Junior Asia Cup gets underway at Malacca from the 3rd to 13th of May.
Eight teams will battle it out for two places in the 2013 Junior World Cup and exciting matches are in store.
Hosts Malacca Hockey Association, have left no stone unturned to ensure that India, Pakistan, Korea, Iran, Sri Lanka, China, Japan and Malaysia leave with fond memories whatever the end result will be.
" We are proud to play host to the tournament and have worked hard to ensure that all preparations are of international standards," said Dato Nur Azmi Ahmad, Deputy President of Malacca Hockey Association and Senior Vice President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.
" It is a honor for Malacca to play hosts as this is the first time we are given the opportunity to host a top class tournament."
As a matter of fact Malaccan's should be proud as the Malaysian team has three officials that hail from Malacca, coach K. Dharmaraj, manager Mirnawan Nawawi and assistant coach Nor Azlan Bakar.
The MBM hockey Stadium has undergone renovations that cost more then RM 1 million and the after effects are there for all to admire.
The grandstand has been upgraded with dedicated media and broadcast rooms and seats fitted as well on the terraces. Even the changing rooms have been done up, truly reflecting a world class venue.
And that is not all, as the lighting system has been upgraded, from an initial 800 lux to 1300 lux, enough for telecasting matches in high definition.
It is still in early stages but host broadcaster Astro will most likely telecast all Malaysian matches live.
It is the opening ceremony that the teams should look forward to as they will be ferried by boats to the venue of the opening ceremony on May 2.
It's all systems go as all teams, with exception of Korea ( April 30 ) and Sri Lanka have arrived in historical Malacca.
