KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has slammed the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) for failing to secure sufficient slots for Asian teams in the 2026 World Cup.
This response comes after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) revised the World Cup qualification process, making it more difficult for Asian teams to qualify for the 2026 edition.
Previously, Asia was guaranteed three spots through the Asian Cup.
In the 2022 edition held in Jakarta, eight teams competed, with South Korea (champions), Malaysia (runners-up), and Japan securing places in the 2023 World Cup in India.
However, for the 2025 Asian Cup where the venue and dates are yet to be determined, only the champion will earn an automatic berth, while the other teams must compete in World Cup qualifiers in January 2026.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands, will feature 16 teams.
Speaking to Scoop, MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal expressed disappointment that the AHF did not do more to ensure Asian teams receive equal importance compared to their European counterparts, especially given the high level of sponsorship and viewership from Asia.
“I have been saying this for a long time, and it’s disappointing to see that nothing has changed. Events like the Olympics and the World Cup are about unity and should bring everyone together, not just favour one side.
“Most of the sponsorship and viewership for hockey comes from Asia, and the AHF should be more vocal in advocating for more slots for Asian teams in tournaments like the World Cup. In fact, some of the best World Cups were hosted by Asian countries.
“The AHF must work with the FIH to revise the qualification system. If this doesn’t change, it will be difficult for Asian teams to progress in the future. They should revert to the previous quota system.
“At the same time, Asian teams, as AHF affiliates, should also speak up to prevent this from happening in the future. I will attend the FIH Congress in Oman this November and I will bring up and discuss this issue. I hope we can see some changes after the congress,” Subahan said when contacted.
Subahan also emphasised that the new qualification system would not impact Malaysia’s World Cup qualifying campaign, citing the potential of the Speedy Tigers.
For the record, world number 13 Malaysia has qualified for nine World Cup editions since the tournament’s inception in 1971.
In the most recent edition, held in Bhubaneswar, India, Malaysia finished 13th out of 17 teams.
“What’s done is done, and we need to move forward. It would have been more ideal to retain the previous system.
“I’m not saying we can’t compete, but it’s not going to be a level playing field for us.
“However, I have full confidence in our players and coaching team, and I believe we will qualify for the World Cup on merit,” Subahan added.
Three countries have already secured their spots — hosts Belgium and the Netherlands, along with Australia, who qualified by winning the 2023/24 FIH Pro League.
Five continental champions and the winner of the 2024/25 FIH Pro League will also earn places in the tournament, leaving seven World Cup spots to be contested in the qualifiers. — September 25, 2024