Olympic qualifier awaits Malaysia

can still make it to the final round of qualifiers for next year’s Tokyo Olympics even if they finish last in next month’s Hockey Series Final in Kuala Lumpur.

The Series Final will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on April 26May 4.

It was first announced that Malaysia needed to finish in the top two bracket to make it for the final round.

“A total of 14 teams based on their world rankings will play in the final qualifier in November.

“Since Malaysia are ranked 13th, regardless of the result in the Series Final, we will still make it for the final qualifier,” said national coach Roelant Oltmans yesterday.

Malaysia are in Group B with China, Brazil and Italy for the Series Final while Group A comprise Canada, Austria, Wales and another team who will replace Vanuatu.

As for the national women’s team, the World No 22 need to finish in the top two to qualify for the final round.

They are in Group A with hosts Ireland, Czech Republic and Singapore while South Korea, Scotland, Ukraine and France make up Group B. The tournament will be held in June.

“We opted for the men’s Series Final for two reasons. One, the International Hockey Federation waived the US100,000 (RM400,000) sanction fees and two, we want to win gold and have an easier opponent in the next round,” said MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal.

The tournament will cost around RM800,000 to host, but with sponsors and other help pouring in, the MHC are expected to make a profit.