AIRASIA became the title sponsors for the 8th Asia Cup in Kuantan with a
cash sponsorship of RM500,000 yesterday.
The Asia Cup will be held on May 9-16, with Malaysia, Japan, South
Korea and Bangladesh in Group A, while Pakistan, India and China are in
Group B.
Present at the signing ceremony in Kuala Lumpur yesterday were
Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad
Shah and AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes.
"I became interested in hockey after watching the 1975 Kuala Lumpur
World Cup as an 11-year-old. I believe the partnership between MHF and
AirAsia will be a fruitful and lasting one, and together we will work to
bring back Malaysia to the '75 level," said Tony.
The cost to host the Asia Cup is around RM1.3 million, and the MHF has
a few more sponsors lined-up to ease its burden.
"I was impressed with the way Malaysia played in the Azlan Shah Cup.
And I believe the national team have the potential, but are missing
something, which I can't pinpoint, which is holding them back.
"When AirAsia started, nobody believed that we would reach the level we
are today. The hockey team are in the same boat as we were, and I believe
one day, they will be the most successful team sport in Malaysia again,"
said Tony.
Internationally, AirAsia has been associated with Manchester United and
Williams in Formula One. And on the local front, it has sponsored
football, squash and now hockey.
"I would like to thank Tony for this generous gesture, and hope this is
a long-term commitment to improve Malaysia's ranking. As I have said
before, I want to see Malaysia in the top-ten bracket soon, and only then
would I seek another term in MHF," said Tengku Abdullah.
Tengku Abdullah said success on the field will make it easier to
attract sponsors.
"We need about RM3 million a year to train the various age-groups, run
MHF and the various tournaments. So, if the team are successful on the
pitch, I believe sponsors would readily want to be associated with the
sport."
At the end of the function, a cake was wheeled in as Tony turned 45
yesterday.
Reebok was also present to sign an MoU which will see the national
juniors and seniors wearing its attire in the Asia Cup and the Junior
World Cup.
The Reebok jersey is yellow and blue, with the Jalur Gemilang
prominently displayed at the front.
