THE Malaysian women’s hockey team received a RM500,000 boost yesterday from construction development company Semai Ria ahead of the Asia Cup challenge starting on Saturday.
The tournament, to be played at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil, also offers the champion a berth to the Women’s World Cup next year in the Netherlands.
Present at hand to receive the cheque was Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) deputy president Raja Puan Sri Datuk Noora Ashikin Raja Abdullah.
“We will be hosting the Asia Cup (seniors) for the first time, and that itself is a milestone for women’s hockey in the country. The team used to be a whipping side many years ago, but today, we can hold our heads high as we have even made the grade to play in the Asian Champions Trophy this year,” said Noora Ashikin.
Eight teams will feature in the tournament and Malaysia are in Group A with defending champions China, India and Hong Kong.
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Kazakhstan are in Group B.
China and South Korea have qualified for the World Cup via the Women’s World League.
“We have set a target of playing in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup, and I believe it is achievable after all the hard work put in by the players and coaching staff,” said Noora Ashikin.
Semai Ria Chief Executive Officer Lim Ee Keong said: “We hope that our sponsorship will spur the women’s hockey team to perform beyond their capabilities. The men have qualified for the World Cup, and We hope the women will emulate the men as well.”
However, Malaysia will find the going tough in the Eight Edition of the Asia Cup as Korea have won three titles in 1985, 1993 and 1990; China twice 1989 and 2009; while India won it in 2004 and Japan in 2007.
The best placing for Malaysia was third in 1985.
