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MHF caught in a fix after Sri Lanka pull out from Asia Cup

KUANTAN: Sri Lanka have withdrawn from the Asia Cup hockey tournament to be held in Kuantan from May 9-16.

Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said he was only informed of Sri Lanka’s withdrawal today.

Tengku Abdullah, who did not disclose the reasons for their withdrawal, said he had asked the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to find a replacement for Sri Lanka.

“We want to maintain the number of teams competing in the tournament at eight but it will continue as planned although Sri Lanka’s absence will affect the fixtures which have been drawn,” he told reporters after inspecting upgrading works at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium here yesterday.

Apart from Sri Lanka, defending champions India, South Korea, Pakistan, Japan, Malaysia, China and Bangladesh have confirmed their participation.

Tengku Abdullah said that the national team, fresh from finishing as runners-up in the recently concluded Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, were ready for the Asia Cup.

MHF want the team to achieve a top-four finish and earn an automatic slot to the 2010 World Cup in New Delhi. – Bernama

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