Sultan Azlan Shah Cup returns after two years

PETALING JAYA: After a two-year hiatus, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is back!

The prestigious hockey tournament, which could not be held in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, will take place from Nov 15-25 this year.

Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah gave his consent after meeting Malaysia Hockey Confederation (MHC) president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal, deputy president Datuk Dr S. Shamala and Perak Hockey Association (PHA) president Mohd Sayuti Abd Samat in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

Subahan said the tourney would be a timely ‘warm-up’ event before the World Cup, which will be held in India in January 2023.

“Many top teams have expressed their interest to participate. I believe it will be a successful Sultan Azlan Shah Cup,” said Subahan.

“MHC will work closely together with PHA to organise this tournament in the months ahead.

It is learnt that Australia, Germany and India have indicated their keen interest to make their trip to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, Subahan said the national team led by coach A. Arulselvaraj have been targeted to qualify for the semi-finals of the Asia Cup in May this year, to book a ticket for the World Cup.