Chennai, 29th July 2023: The excitement is palpable as Malaysia Men’s Hockey Team touched down in Chennai, India on Saturday to participate in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023. The prestigious tournament, scheduled from 3rd August to 12th August at the iconic Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, promises to be a thrilling showcase of Asian hockey excellence, and Malaysia’s arrival adds to the fervor and anticipation of this grand event.
~ Malaysia will take on Pakistan in their opening match on 3rd August ~
As one of Asia’s hockey powerhouses, Malaysia have consistently showcased remarkable skills and determination on the field. They have finished third five times in the history of the tournament and will now be eyeing to clinch their maiden Asian Champions Trophy.
The team has shown great promise in the recent past, having won the Silver medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang and also finished runners-up in last year’s Hero Asia Cup in Jakarta.
The Malaysian Team will go up against Japan, Korea, Pakistan, China, and hosts India during the course of the tournament, which promises to be an extraordinary display of sporting brilliance.
Malaysia will open their campaign against Pakistan on 3rd August.
As per the tournament format, all six teams will each play five matches in the round robin stage before the top four teams move into the semifinals.
“I’m happy and excited to be back again in India. Our preparations for the Asian Champions Trophy are on the right track and we are aiming to give our best in the tournament. I am hoping to see full-house at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium,” commented Malaysia Captain Marhan Jalil.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Coach Arul Anthoni talked about his team’s recent performance and their new structure of play and said, “We came up with a new structure of play and did very well in our recent games. The players adapted to new strategies under Marhan’s leadership. I was very happy with their performance and hope they replicate the same in the Asian Champions Trophy.”
Also, Anthoni kept his cards close to his chest when asked about his new style of play and tactics going into the tournament and said, “You’ll have to watch us play to know our new strategies.”
The arrival of the Malaysia Men’s Hockey Team in Chennai marks the beginning of an exhilarating hockey spectacle that will capture the hearts of millions, celebrating the unifying spirit of the sport and fostering camaraderie among nations.
Hero Asian Champions Trophy Chennai 2023 will be live on Star Sports and Fancode. It will also be live streamed on watch.hockey for viewing outside of India.
HOCKEY INDIA TEAM PARTNERS
Odisha (India’s Best Kept Secret) – Major Team Partner
Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Shiv Naresh
About HOCKEY INDIA
HOCKEY INDIA (HI) is the governing body with exclusive mandate to direct and conduct all activities for both men and women’s hockey in India. It is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Govt. of India as the sole body responsible towards promoting Hockey in India.
Headquartered in New Delhi, Hockey India was established on 20th May, 2009 and is affiliated to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and Asian Hockey Federation (AHF).
Committed to the development of Hockey in the country, Hockey India with the assistance of Sports Authority of India and Department of Sports, Government of India, trains players at sub-junior, junior and senior level. The governing body engages in Coaching the coaches with International Standard certification programs, educates and equips technical officials and umpires to find a foothold in international arena, provides world-class infrastructure and International exposure for the players besides regular international competition. Hockey India has also pioneered in bringing top International hockey events to India such as the FIH Men’s World Cup in 2010 and 2018, FIH Champions Trophy in 2014, FIH Junior Men’s World Cup in 2016 and 2021, FIH Hockey World League Final in 2017. With its vision to popularize the game and constantly promote it, Hockey India brought the Indian Men’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world. Hockey India is also dedicated to getting the Indian Women’s Hockey Team into the top three in the world.
About ODISHA
Odisha – the Eastern State of India – is known for its love for Hockey and over the years it has evolved to be the Global Hub of Hockey. The State successfully hosted the Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup Bhubaneswar 2018, followed by the FIH Men’s Series Finals Bhubaneswar Odisha, FIH Olympic Qualifiers Odisha, and FIH Hockey Pro League 2020-21. Odisha has previously hosted the Champions Trophy 2014 and the Odisha Men’s Hockey World League Final Bhubaneswar 2017. Odisha also hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey Junior World Cup in 2021.
Kalinga Lancers, the team owned by the State, were the winners in the Hockey India League 2017. Taking a step further towards realising the dream of restoring the glory of Indian Hockey at the global level, the State is sponsoring the Indian Hockey Teams till 2033.
Odisha also hosted the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023.
