Malaysia
is set to play host for the 2013 Asia Cup that offers a berth to the 2014 World
Cup.
The
decision to award the host job to Malaysia was taken at the Asian Hockey
Federation Council meeting chaired by HRH Sultan Azlan Shah at Ipoh this
morning.
Initially
the hosting job was awarded to Singapore but it was changed at the meeting
today.
“We
have decided to award the host job to Malaysia and I am happy to announce that
it will be held in Ipoh next year,” said AHF President Sultan Azlan Shah.
“The
dates have yet to be determind as we will also have to take into consideration
the annual Azlan Shah Cup.”
Malaysia
last played in the World Cup in 2002 when they hosted the event. Prior to that
Malaysia qualified for the 1998 Utrecht World Cup after a hiatus of 16 years
with their previous appearance being in 1982 in Bombay.
Sultan
Azlan was met after officiating the cerificate presentation ceremony for the
Technical Officials course conducted jointly by the AHF-MHC.
At
the ceremony it was also announced that the AHF-MHC Academy will now be known
as the Raja Dato’ Seri Ashaman Academy, in honour of the second son of Sultan
Azlan Shah who passed away on March 30 this year.
Sultan
Azlan Shah also commented on the performance of the Malaysian team at the tournament.
“I
am not happy with the performance as we concede easy goals, especially in the
match against New Zealand,” said Sultan Azlan.
“We
need to work on our defence as it leaks easily. But I must say I am pleased
with the performance of the young players in the team as they have put up a
decent performance.
“
This should form the team of the future for Malaysia and we have to give them
the necessary exposure.”
