Sultan of Johor Cup 2026: Malaysia's juniors open against China on 18 October at 7.35pm in Taman Daya
The 14th Sultan of Johor Cup runs from 17 to 24 October in Johor Bahru with five Under-21 teams. Malaysia's first match is against China on Sunday at 7.35pm.
The Sultan of Johor Cup returns to Johor Bahru this weekend. The Under-21 men's hockey tournament runs from Saturday, 17 October, to Saturday, 24 October, at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya. Host nation Malaysia play their first match on Sunday, 18 October, against China, with push-back at 7.35pm Malaysia time. The tournament also starts a busy period for Malaysian hockey, because the senior Speedy Tigers leave for the Asian Champions Trophy in India later this month.
A smaller field for the 14th edition
This year's tournament is the 14th edition, and there are five teams: Malaysia, Canada, China, Japan and Pakistan. Last year there were six teams: Australia, Great Britain, India, New Zealand, Pakistan and Malaysia. Australia won the title in 2025, and India were runners-up.
The tournament starts on Saturday, 17 October, with two matches. Pakistan play China at 5.05pm and Japan meet Canada at 7.35pm. All matches are on the main pitch at Taman Daya. The tournament is broadcast in Malaysia on RTM's sports channel.
Malaysia's path to the final
The five teams play a single round-robin, so each side has four group matches. Malaysia start against China on 18 October. They then play Japan and Pakistan in the middle of the week and finish the group against Canada on Friday, 23 October, at 7.35pm. On the final day, the top two teams in the table meet in the final. The third- and fourth-placed teams play for bronze.
Field Hockey Canada says the event is part of its preparation for the 2027 Junior World Cup. That is likely true for most teams in Johor Bahru. Playing up to five matches in a week is a hard test for young squads.
The juniors want to build on the senior team's Asian Games silver. Johor state executive councillor Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said he hoped the host side would win the title on home turf.
Speedy Tigers head to India next
The seniors are also busy. The Speedy Tigers won silver at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games last month, and they are among six teams at the Men's Asian Champions Trophy from 27 October to 5 November. The other teams are India, Japan, South Korea, China and Bangladesh. Bangladesh replaced Pakistan after Pakistan withdrew.
League matches are at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. The top four advance to the semi-finals in Mohali on 4 November, and the bronze medal match and final are there on 5 November. India are the defending champions after winning the 2024 edition. Malaysia's league match against the hosts is on 1 November at 7pm Indian time, which is 9.30pm in Malaysia.
Why this fortnight matters
There has not been much time to rest since the Asian Games. The junior tournament gives Malaysia's next generation a chance to play strong international opposition at home. The Asian Champions Trophy will show whether the senior side can keep their Asian Games form against the best teams in the region. Malaysian hockey fans can follow both: the juniors in Johor Bahru until 24 October, and then the seniors in Punjab from 27 October.
Key takeaways
- The 14th Sultan of Johor Cup (Under-21) runs from 17 to 24 October at Taman Daya, Johor Bahru, with five teams.
- Malaysia open against China on Sunday, 18 October, at 7.35pm and end the group against Canada on 23 October.
- The top two teams play the final on 24 October. Australia are the 2025 champions but are not in this year's field.
- The Speedy Tigers play the Asian Champions Trophy in India from 27 October to 5 November and meet the hosts on 1 November at 9.30pm Malaysia time.
FAQ
Which teams are playing in the Sultan of Johor Cup 2026? Five Under-21 teams are taking part: Malaysia, Canada, China, Japan and Pakistan.
When is Malaysia's first match? Malaysia play China on Sunday, 18 October, at 7.35pm Malaysia time at the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya.
When is the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026? It runs from 27 October to 5 November in Jalandhar and Mohali, India. Malaysia play India on 1 November.
Sources: RTM, FIH, Field Hockey Canada, Khel Now, ETV Bharat, Bernama