Malaysia shortlisted for 2018 World Cup host job

Malaysia were among six countries shortlisted to host the 2018 World Cup.

Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said Malaysia and five other countries were shortlisted to advance to the second stage of the bidding process for the 2018 World Cup.

"With the current team's potential, I hope we will be ready to host the World Cup in 2018," Tengku Abdullah said after chairing a MHC meeting, here, today.

He said the countries shortlisted would undergo a course in April to be briefed of the terms and conditions to host the World Cup.

In November, the country picked for the host job would be announced.

Apart from Malaysia, England, India, Australia, New Zealand and Belgium are bidding to host the 2018 World Cup.

Meanwhile, to earn a ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Holland, the National squad will face two important tournaments, namely the semifinals of the World League in Johor from June 29 to July 3 and the Asia Cup in Ipoh, Perak from Aug 23 to 31.

The last time Malaysia qualified for the World Cup was back in 2002 when Kuala Lumpur played host but finished in 8th position.

Malaysia's best ever performance in the World Cup was a fourth placing in the 1975 World Cup.