The Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) yesterday decided that Ipoh will host the 2013 Asia Cup, which also doubles up as a 2014 World Cup Qualifier.
The AHF Council decided on Malaysia instead of Singapore, the initial hosts.
“We have decided to award the host job to Malaysia and I am happy to announce that it will be held in Ipoh next year,” said AHF President Sultan Azlan Shah.
“The dates have yet to be determined as we will also have to take into consideration the annual Azlan Shah Cup.”
Malaysia last played in the World Cup in 2002 when they hosted the event. Prior to that Malaysia qualified for the 1998 Utrecht World Cup after a 16 years with their previous appearance being in 1982 in Bombay.
Sultan Azlan also announced that the AHF-MHC Academy will now be known as the Raja DatukSeri Ashaman Academy, in honour of the second son of Sultan Azlan Shah who passed away on March 30 this year.
On the Malaysian team’s performance in the Azlan Shah Cup: “I am not happy with the performance as we concede easy goals, especially in the match against New Zealand,” said Sultan Azlan.
“We need to work on our defense as it leaks easily. But I must say I am pleased with the performance of the young players in the team as they have put up a decent performance.”
