KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Malaysia’s hopes of hosting the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup were dashed after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) chose India to be the hosts of the quadrennial tournament.
The announcement was made by FIH president, Leandro Negre after hearing final presentations by the four shortlisted countries, namely England, India, Malaysia and New Zealand in Lausanne, Switzerland today.
FIH also handed the rights to England to host the women’s World Cup the same year, for the first time.
“The quality of both bids was truly extraordinary, and the FIH is greatly looking forward to bringing its top properties to England and India.
“I would also like to congratulate all of the National Associations that submitted bids for these events. The standard was exceptionally high, making the decision extremely hard for the FIH Executive Board,” Negre was quoted as saying in the FIH website. www.fih.ch.
Meanwhile, FIH Chief Executive Officer Kelly Fairweather said the decision was not an easy task since the presentation papers by all the four countries were truly exceptional which was in line with their strategy to deliver the most entertaining, exciting and inspiring hockey events in the world.
“The FIH Executive Board was hugely impressed by the bids from England Hockey and Hockey India, and is convinced that both National Associations will deliver absolutely magnificent tournaments,” he said.
The 2018 edition will see 16 nations competing in both the men’s and women’s categories as compared to 12 teams for the 2014 edition which will be held in the Netherlands.
For the record, India have hosted the men World Cup twice, in 1982 in Bombay and 2010 in New Delhi while Malaysia on the other hand, hosted the prestigious meet 1975 and 2002 besides hosting the women’s World Cup in 1983. — Bernama
