Hockey: Malaysia To Host Nations Cup In June

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysia is set to stage the International Hockey Federation (FIH) men’s Nations Cup for the first time from June 15 to 21, this year.

FIH today announced that the eight-nation tournament will be held in the capital city, with the winner qualifying for the 2025-26 Pro League.

Apart from hosts Malaysia, ranked 13th in the world, the other competing teams are world number nine France, South Africa (11), New Zealand (12), South Korea (14), Pakistan (15), Japan (16) and Wales (18).

The fans can expect world-class hockey action as all the teams in the upcoming third edition had featured in the last World Cup in 2023, except Pakistan.

FIH President Tayyab Ikram said it is a true delight to return to Malaysia with one of their major events, as the 2023 Junior World Cup was the last FIH event held in the country.

“Our hosts have always been wonderful hockey tournament organisers and the same will prevail again for this Nations Cup. On behalf of FIH, I’d like to extend our sincerest gratitude to our Malaysian friends.

“I already wish everyone, and first and foremost the athletes, to make the most of this experience to grow, and reach the next level,” he said in a statement.

Commenting on the announcement, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal was excited and confident that the tournament would bring the best of world hockey talents to the country.

“We are grateful to FIH for entrusting us to host this amazing event for the very first time. We would also like to thank our Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for supporting our effort in hosting this event,” he said.

Launched in 2021, the Nations Cup offers top-level competitions for the best-ranked teams not participating in the Pro League, and gives the winning team the option to be promoted to the Pro League the next season.

South Africa won the 2022 title when hosting the inaugural edition in Potchefstroom, while New Zealand emerged as champion in the 2023-24 edition held in Gniezno, Poland.

Malaysia finished fourth in the first edition, but ended in the seventh spot last year.
-- BERNAMA