The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has approved ranking points for the Asian Chsmpions Trophy.
The decision by the FIH Executive Board that met in April was conveyed to the Asian Hockey Federation on May 12.
This will surely raise the profile of the Asian Champions Trophy as since its inception in 2011, the event was not accorded any ranking points.
Prior to this teams in Asia could only gain World Rankjng points from continental tournaments such as the Asian Games or Asia Cup.
And this led to some teams taking the tournament lightly by sending mixed or developmental squads.
With a higher profile, it can be rest assured that this years Asian Champions Trophy, slated from October 20-30 in Kuantan could see a more closely contested event, thus giving Asian Hockey the much needed boost.
MHC Chief Executive Officer K. Logan Raj welcomed the decision of the FIH.
" This is great news for Asian teams and it will surely make the tournament more competitive as well raise its profile," said Logan.
" From our perspective gaining valuable ranking points will surely boost our chances of moving up the world rankings."
FIH also added that ranking points will also be awarded for the Asian Champions Challenge.
