FIH offer to elevate game..

THE International Hockey Federation (FIH) has offered Malaysia to host at least one international tournament every year, as the parent body look towards elevating the standard of the game in this region.
  This was announced by their president Leandro Negre at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, who paid tribute to the MHC for always being on had to take over tournaments which other countries decline at the eleventh hour.
  "When Germany withdrew as hosts (from the World Hockey League semi-finals), the FIH called MHC and they had no hesitation to offer themselves as hosts," said Negre.
   "Also, when in the past we had to find a replacement host for the Champions Trophy due to the reluctance of teams to go to Pakistan, it was Malaysia that helped saved the day as well.
  "In the past we have had this arrangement of hosting at least one event with India and Netherlands. And from next year Malaysia will be included as well. It is not because they rescued us but also the fact that this country has tremendous facilities for hockey."
   The semis of the World Hockey League to be held on June 29 to July 7 in Johor Baru and will feature Germany, South Korea, Pakistan, England and Malaysia. Three other teams will be determined by the FIH after the Round Two competition comes to an end.
  Malaysia is bidding to host the 2014 Champions Challenge 1 and going by what Negre revealed, they should have no problems securing the tournament when a decision is made by the FIH this September.