KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia has been drawn into the “group of death” for their debut at the 2025 Men’s Indoor Hockey World Cup, set to take place in Porec, Croatia, from February 3-9.
The national team will face formidable opponents in Group B, including three-time world champions Germany, Asian champions Iran, and Pan American Cup winners Argentina.
Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal acknowledged the challenges faced by the team but refrained from setting unrealistic expectations.
He highlighted the lack of a proper training venue and the limited allowances provided to the players as significant hurdles.
“It’s not that we don’t want to set them a target but, with the lack of a proper training venue and the players receiving only minimum training allowances from us (MHC), none of them uttered a word of complaint.
“Despite not having proper facilities, they still vowed to give their best at the World Cup. I have faith in the players,” he said during a media conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Malaysia’s fixtures include matches against Germany on February 3, Argentina on February 4, and Iran on February 6.
The team will also play a series of warm-up matches against Austrian club SV Arminen in Vienna before heading to Porec.
National coach Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi expressed confidence in the team’s ability to push for a spot in the quarterfinals despite this being their first appearance at the Indoor Hockey World Cup. — January 18, 2025