MHC ready to send women's team to Europe for exposure - president

The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) are expected to send the women's hockey team to Europe for exposure as part of preparations for the Women's Hockey World League (WHWL) semifinals in June and July.

MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said since the competition in the WHWL semifinals would be stiff, playing in Europe would prepare the team well to face world class teams in the competition.

Subahan said the physic of most European players has been identified as one of the major factors that separates teams in Asia and Europe.

"We cannot deny that there are hockey powers in Asia but whenever they play against European teams, the physical factor comes into play and it is pretty obvious that Asian teams will lose out in that area.

"I therefore, feel it would benefit the team to play and gain experience and exposure in Europe or alternatively we may invite good European teams to play here," he told reporters after watching the WHWL Round 2 final between Malaysia and Ireland at the Tun Razak Hockey Stadium, here Sunday.

Malaysia lost the match 0-3.

Meanwhile, Subahan who was all praise for women's head coach Muhammad Dharma Raj Abdullah and his coaching staff, said the services of the head coach would be extended.

"His (Dharma) contract will be extended because he had done a great job and all his coaching team have done a good job. Under him, Malaysia has for the first time qualified for the WHWL semifinals. We have also seen notable improvement in the team's play," he said.

The National women's team created history yesterday by beating Italy 2-1 in a penalty shootout (regulation time 2-2) and qualify for the final of the WHWL Round Two.

Italy were the highest ranked team in the competition at World number 15 while Malaysia are ranked World number 21. -- Bernama