IPOH, Aug 23 — The national hockey squad cannot afford to feel safe although on merit, Malaysia already has one foot in the 2014 World Cup in The Hague, Netherlands.
Under the new qualifying system of the International Hockey Federation (FIH), Malaysia is third on the waiting list for a slot in the World Cup based on the achievement in the semi-finals of the World Hockey League (WHL)last month.
Malaysia has to wait for the completion of all the continental tournaments at year end and the announcement from the FIH to be sure of qualifying for the World Cup.
In the WHL semi-finals, Malaysia finished fifth after beating Japan 4-3 on penalty strokes in a match held at Taman Daya Stadium, Johor Baharu.
The 9th Asia Cup, which starts tomorrow at Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium here is a priority for Malaysia and 11 teams vying for tickets to the Hague. Skipper Mohd Sharun Nabil Abdullah,28, said the national hockey squad is serious about the Asia Cup tournament and wants to put up a good showing.
“Our mission to take Malaysia to the World Cup is not over although on paper, we have qualified. Our goal is for Malaysia to lift the Asia Cup because we have never won it,” he told Bernama today.
Mohd Sharun said the players are fully prepared to face Chinese Taipei in the opening match tomorrow, a team Malaysia had never met.
“We are not underestimating Chinese Taipei although they are not the favourites in Group A. We will do our best to win the opening game,” he said.
Malaysia’s next match is against hockey giants Pakistan on Sunday before completing the Group A match against Japan on Aug 27.
Home advantage should give the squad under coach Paul Revington to put up a good showing at the Asia Cup and to qualify for the World Cup.
The death of striker Chua Boon Huat in a road accident on Aug 1 should give the players additional boost to merge Asia Cup champions.
Malaysia last featured in the 1975 World Cup, which the country hosted.
Malaysia’s main challenge comes from three-time Asia Cup champions Pakistan.
Japan are no pushovers while Chinese Taipei cannot be under estimated.
Asia Cup holders South Korea who already qualified for the World Cup lead Group B with two-time Asia Cup winners India, Oman and Bangladesh.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has high hopes that the national would lift the Asia Cup and seal a place in the World Cup.
Malaysia’s best achievement in the Asia Cup was third place in Chennai, India in 2007 after defeating Japan 5-3 in the play off game.
Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Argentina, England, South Korea and hosts the Netherlands have qualified for the World Cup.
Only 12 teams will qualify for the World Cup. — Bernama
