KUALA LUMPUR — The national men’s 5-a-side hockey team have secured their spot in the 2024 FIH Hockey 5s World Cup, emerging among the top four teams in the 2023 Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup held in Salalah, Oman today.
This achievement means that Malaysia, along with India and Pakistan, will represent Asia at the upcoming World Cup.
Additionally, Oman, as the tournament’s host, have also earned a place in the event, scheduled to take place in Muscat on January 24-31, 2024.
In the current men’s elite category standings, Malaysia hold the third position with 10 points, with Pakistan (13 points) and India (12 points) leading the rankings.
Despite securing their World Cup berth, Malaysia faced a tough challenge in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup in Salalah, where they were defeated by India with a score of 10-4.
India’s goals were netted by Maninder Singh (2nd minute), Mohammed Raheel (9th, 16th, 24th, and 28th minutes), Pawan Rajbhar (13th), Sukhvinder (21st), Dipsan Tirkey (22nd), Jugraj Singh (23rd), and Gurjot Singh (29th).
Malaysia, under the guidance of coach Wallace Tan, responded with goals from Ismail Abu (4th minute), Mohamad Akhimullah Anuar Esok (7th and 19th minutes), and Muhamad Nazrey Din (19th minute).
Malaysia will now face Oman in the third-fourth placing playoff, scheduled for today at 9 pm (Malaysian time). — September 2, 2023