Though the official FIH statement has yet to be issued, it is learnt that Malaysia will head for Ireland for the Olympic Qualifiers that will be held in March 11 next year.
Malaysia is expected to be seeded second in the qualifiers behind South Korea and ahead of hosts Ireland, Ukraine, Chile and Russia.
And you will not get an easier draw then this as Malaysia will avoid the likes of Spain, India and Canada.
With the other qualifiers in India and Japan, Malaysia had to travel to Ireland as the original hosts Belgium had qualified on merit.
With this developments, expect the Azlan Shah Cup to be held in early February minus the likes of South Korea and India.
New Delhi - 15 to 26 February
(Men)
India
Canada
France
Poland
Egypt
United States
(Women)
South Africa
India
Italy
Canada
Ukraine
Poland
Dublin - 11 to 18 March
(Men)
South Korea
Malaysia
Ireland
Russia
Chile
Ukraine
Beerschot (Belgium) - 17-25 March
(Women)
Spain
Ireland
Belgium'Russia
France
Mexico
Kakamigahara (Japan) - 25 April - 6 May
(Men)
Spain
Japan
China
Austria
Czech Republic
Cuba
(Women)
Japan
Azerbaijan
Chile
Belarus
Malaysia
Trindad & Tobago
