India has withdrawn from the 2016 Sultan Johor Cup despite having confirmed its participation earlier.
India have been regular participants of the tournament since its inception in 2011 and it had helped in producing players like Manpreet Singh, Harjit Singh and Hermanpreet Singh amongst others.
The 6th edition of the SOJC is scheduled to be held from the 31st of October till 6th November at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium Johor Baru.
In its place the Organisers, the Johor Hockey Association have invited Japan.
" It is surprising that India has opted to stay out of the tournament this year," said JHA Deputy President Manjit Majid Abdullah who is also MHC Vice President.
" All I know is that they have withdrawn and all questions as to why should be directed to Hockey India."
Manjit added that it will be a six team affair again this year and those who have confirmed are Japan, England, New Zealand, Pakistan Australia and Malaysia.
For the record Great Brotain defeated India in a shoot-out in last years final.
Malaysia is expected to field its development squad coached by Wallace Tan since the junior team was disbanded after failing to qualify for the Junior World Cup later this year via the Junior Asia Cup in Kuantan last November where they finished fifth.
