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Malaysia among six countries making a bid to host 2018 World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is among six countries making a bid to host the 2018 hockey World Cup. The others are Australia, India, New Zealand, England and Belgium.

The International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed the bids from the six countries after their Executive Board meeting on Saturday.

New Zealand, Australia and Belgium are bidding for both the men’s and women’s World Cup while England is only seeking to host the women’s event.

Aside from interest in the World Cups, there were also enthusiastic responses for a number of other events, like the Junior World Cup in 2017 and a new type of “Champions Event” and in particular for the hockey World League semi-final events which will serve as the main Olympic qualifying event in 2015 and the World Cup qualifiers in 2017.

FIH President Leandro Negre said: “The high interest to be hosts by our member associations, especially for the World Cup, is extremely encouraging.”

Both the men’s and women’s Hockey World Cups in 2018 will feature an increased 16-team field. Next year’s highly anticipated Rabobank hockey World Cup, taking place in The Hague, Netherlands, during the first two weeks of June, will see 12 men’s and women’s teams compete in a tournament which will be held simultaneously.

Of the applicants shortlisted for the World Cup, Australia, England, India and Malaysia had previous experience hosting hockey’s pinnacle event, with India having hosted the men’s edition three years ago.
Belgium and new Zealand have not hosted the World Cup before but have organised other FIH level events.

Of the six countries making a bid, only Malaysia has organised the World Cup with a 16-team field in 2002.

All bidding countries will have to attend a one-day workshop on May 7 in Lausanne. The decision on the host country will be made on Nov 8.



THE STAR

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