Malaysian Women's Hockey Squad Win Ticket to Asian Games

KUALA LUMPUR, June 7 (Bernama) -- The praiseworthy performance of the Malaysian women's hockey squad at the Asian Women Champions Trophy Hockey Championship in South Korea last month entitles Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah's squad to be listed in category A at the Asian Games in August. Team manager Lailin Abu Hassan said the team was in the best form to achieve success in Jakarta with the target of reaching the podium. The Malaysian Tigress finished fourth after losing 0-2 to China in the third and fourth decider of the championship at the Sunshine Stadium, Donghae, South Korea. "The team will strive to achieve the best position in the Asian Games this time. A total of 18 players have been listed and possibly three more names will be added, "he told reporters after the Asian Games Selection Meeting here Wednesday. A category A participation means the athletes would be given full sponsorship while the cost of category B athletes should be borne by their respective associations. However, a category B athlete's expenses would be reimbursed if the athlete succeeds in winning at least a bronze medal. Meanwhile, the national men's hockey team who are in category A at the Asian Games are targeting the gold in Jakarta. The men’s hockey team manager, Nasihin Nubli Ibrahim said victory at the Asian Games was crucial for winning a ticket to the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. "The target is final, I believe they can do it because our next target is the 2020 Olympics. We have listed 18 players but the final decision will be announced on June 22," said Nasihin. The best achievement of the country's hockey squad at the Asian Games was the silver medal in the 2010 edition in Guangzhou, China. -- BERNAMA