Malaysia In 'Group Of Death’ For Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Malaysia have been drawn in the "Group of Death” in their maiden appearance at the 2025 Men's Indoor Hockey World Cup in Porec, Croatia from Feb 3-9.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said the national team have been drawn in Group B with three-time world champions Germany, Asian champions Iran and Pan American Cup winners Argentina.

He, however, refused to put additional pressure on the team by setting too high a target, saying he understood the problems faced by the coach and players, who had to prepare for the World Cup with no proper training venue and receiving only very little allowance.

"It's not that we do not 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.

"Although they did not have proper facilities, they still vowed to give their best at the World Cup. I have faith in the players,” he told reporters at the MHC media conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today.

Malaysia, who will face Germany on Feb 3, Argentina on Feb 4 and Iran on Feb 6, will have a series of warm-up matches against Austrian professional club side SV Arminen in Vienna before flying to Porec for the World Cup.

Meanwhile, national coach Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi said although this would be their first foray into the Indoor Hockey World Cup, he is convinced the players will do their best to qualify for the last eight.

-- BERNAMA