Aussie hockey league to include teams from M’sia, India and NZ

KUALA LUMPUR: For the first time, three countries – Malaysia, India and New Zealand – will be sending their teams to compete in the Australia National League (ANL), which will be held at the Perth National Stadium from Sept 29-Oct 9.

Malaysia will field two teams – Tigers and Blues – in the men’s category and one women’s team (Tigress).

India will field their junior side in the men’s competition while New Zealand will have a team in both categories.

The full list of teams for the ANL was announced yesterday.

Hockey Australia chief executive Cam Vale said: “Hockey Australia is excited to be able to extend the opportunity to take part in our national league to India, Malaysia and New Zealand.

“It will add great depth to the tournament, which will be the first time the men and women’s competitions have been held at the same time, and will give our State and Territory teams a fantastic opportunity to experience international competition.”

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) chief executive officer K. Logan Raj said that this was made possible through a memorandum of understanding signed with Hockey Australia last year.

“We are extremely pleased to receive the offer to play in what we perceive to be one of the world’s most competitive leagues. This remains a milestone for Malaysian hockey.

“We believe this will strengthen our already close relationship.

“We thank Hockey Australia for extending this offer and we’ll aspire to do our best in the tournament,” said Logan.