KUALA LUMPUR, May 5 (Bernama) -- The national men's indoor hockey team must make the final of the 2024 Indoor Hockey Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan from May 21-24 to earn a slot in next year's World Cup.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said defending champions Malaysia, who won the 2022 edition in Thailand, are seen as stronger this time due to a good mix of experienced and young players.
"For the men's team, Malaysia must be among the top two (finalists) to earn an automatic slot in Croatia next year.
"We have several players who represented the country in field hockey and we have included them to further strengthen the indoor hockey team,” he said.
Subahan told reporters this after the national men’s and women's indoor hockey teams’ jersey launch at the National Hockey Stadium today.
The national men's team have been drawn in Group B with hosts Kazakhstan, Oman and Indonesia.
Subahan, however, admitted that the national women's team face a tough task after being drawn in Group A with Kazakhstan, Iran, Nepal and Oman for the Asia Cup in Chonburi, Thailand from May 13-16.
"… for the women's team, they must emerge as champions because the ticket (to the 2025 World Cup qualifiers) is only given to the champion. Previously, they were number three (in the 2022 Asia Cup) and this time they must emerge as champions,” he said.
The Men's and Women's FIH Indoor Hockey World Cup will be held in Croatia from Feb 3-9, 2025.
-- BERNAMA
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