Malaysia are looking to make it five titles in a row at the Asian Youth Netball Championship 2013, hosted by the Brunei Darussalam Netball Association (BNA) this year.

The eighth edition of the tournament will tip-off tomorrow with a Group A match between hosts Brunei and Japan at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas at 11.00 am.

Speaking to The Brunei Times upon their arrival at the International Airport in Berakas yesterday, Malaysia's manager Amnah Noran said: "The target is to defend the title. Last year's tournament in Colombo, Sri Lanka was our fourth consecutive title and we are looking forward to win it again this year in Brunei.

"The players are physically and psychologically ready and they are looking forward to playing in the tournament," said Amnah.

"We are not underestimating other teams in this tournament, but we are looking at Singapore and Sri Lanka as the biggest challengers and threats in the competition.

"There are only three players that won the previous fourth titles with us this year. The rest of the team are new faces, and they are ready for the challenge," said the manager.

The tournament which will run from June 30 to July 7, will feature teams from Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Nepal, Maldives, Thailand, India, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka. The ten teams are divided into a groups of five.

Joining Brunei in group A are India, Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Nepal and Maldives are in a group B.

Brunei finished sixth in last year's competition in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Courtesy from Brunei Times