MHC wants to prove capability to FIH
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is confident of organising the FIH Series Finals from April 26 to May 4 at the National Hockey Stadium well to ensure its dream of hosting the 2022 Hockey World Cup is achieved.
Despite facing financial challenges, its president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said MHC is prepared to organise the championship for eight countries vying for qualification to the 2020 Olympic Games.
With the cost of hosting the nine-day tournament expected to surpass RM1 million, Subahan said MHC has succeeded in securing RM600,000 in sponsorship while efforts are being made to find the balance.
Nonetheless, he is confident of support from various government agencies such as the National Sports Council (MSN), National Sports Institute (NSI) and the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry could help reduce the cost of organsing the tournament.
“MHC wants to prove to the International Hockey Federation (FIH) that Malaysia is capable of organising international level championship. We have sent all documents needed and we are among the countries shortlisted by FIH,” he told a media conference to introduce the sponsors of the championship. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is once again the main sponsor with about RM500,000 contribution apart from Orion IXL Berhad, 100 Plus, Stubapp, Palace Golden Horses while UNITAR International University (UNITAR) pledged RM50,000.
The Malaysia squad under Roelant Oltmans need to finish the competition in the top two places at FIH Series Finals to advance to a play-off which is the final qualification round of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Malaysia, ranked 13th in the world have been drawn in Group B and will open their campaign against Brazil (ranked 27th) on April 26, followed by China (14th) two days later and Italy (32) on April 29.
The top challenger, Canada, ranked 10th in the world have been draw into Group A with Austria (19th) , Wales (24th) and Belarus (31st).