KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia is set to host the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s Nations Cup for the first time, with the tournament scheduled to take place in the capital from June 15 to 21 this year.
FIH announced today that the eight-nation tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2025-26 Pro League, with the winner earning a spot in the prestigious competition.
Alongside hosts Malaysia, currently ranked 13th in the world, the tournament will feature France (9th), South Africa (11th), New Zealand (12th), South Korea (14th), Pakistan (15th), Japan (16th), and Wales (18th).
Fans can expect world-class hockey action, as all participating teams, except Pakistan, competed in the 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup.
FIH president Tayyab Ikram expressed his excitement about bringing another major tournament to Malaysia, following the successful hosting of the 2023 Junior World Cup.
“Our hosts have always been wonderful hockey tournament organisers, and this Nations Cup will be another success. On behalf of FIH, I extend our sincerest gratitude to our Malaysian friends.
“I already wish everyone, and first and foremost the athletes, to make the most of this experience to grow and reach the next level,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence that the tournament will showcase some of the best hockey talent in the world.
“We are grateful to FIH for entrusting us with hosting this amazing event for the first time. We also extend our thanks to Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh for her support,” he said.
First introduced in 2021, the FIH Nations Cup provides high-level competition for the best-ranked teams not competing in the Pro League, with the champions earning the chance for promotion to the Pro League the following season.
South Africa won the inaugural 2022 edition on home soil in Potchefstroom, while New Zealand claimed victory in the 2023-24 tournament in Gniezno, Poland.
Malaysia finished fourth in the inaugural edition but slipped to seventh place last year. — February 24, 2025