IPOH – Full-house attendance is expected by the Perak Hockey Association (PHA) for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, which is scheduled to kick off today until May 11.
The 30th edition of the tournament will feature six teams: New Zealand, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Pakistan and defending champions Malaysia.
The tournament will take place at the Azlan Shah Stadium, which was constructed in 1984 and has the capacity for 10,000 hockey fans.
PHA president Datuk Sayuti Samat, who is also the organising chairman of the invitational tournament, said that hockey fans would not have any trouble coming to the stadium despite the heavy downpour in Ipoh over the past week.
Admission to the tournament is free.
“Over the years, the tournament has never failed to attract a high number of fans in Ipoh. Even when we last organised it in 2022, fans flocked to the stadium to watch.
“Whether it rains or not, I can guarantee that fans will come and watch the games, as they are very patriotic whenever our national team plays.
“This year’s tournament is going to be a treat for the fans, and I personally hope to see Malaysia playing in the final and clinching the trophy again this year,” said Sayuti during a press conference at the M Roof Hotel in Ipoh yesterday.
For the record, the Speedy Tigers made history when they ended a 39-year wait to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time after defeating South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 final.
Malaysia had previously finished second five times in the 1985, 2007, 2009, 2013 and 2014 editions since the tournament was first held in 1983.
The revamped Speedy Tigers under the tutelage of Sarjit Singh will take on Pakistan in their opening match tonight. – May 4, 2024