The Azlan Shah Hockey tournament ranks amongst the biggest field hockey tournaments in the world. Held in Malaysia, the tournament takes place on a yearly basis since 1998. Named after the ninth king of Malaysia, this tournament features the best international teams from around the world. Current world hockey champions Australia are starting as top seeds for this years' tournament.
Other teams taking part in this prestigious tournament are Korea, India, hosts Malaysia, China, Pakistan, and Egypt. Being the minnows of the tournament, Egypt’s soul purpose is to play in the tournament to gain good international exposure as they hardly get the chance to play in important events. On the other hand, three time champions Pakistan are going through some troubled times. After finishing at the 12th position in the World Cup in India, all members of the Pakistani team had resigned from their positions. Sanity prevailed as the team members held intense negotiations with the board. Despite all efforts to maintain a strong team, the management has given rest to some senior players; the up and coming players from Pakistan now have the chance to prove their worth. It is an experiment to say the least. The move can either turn the tables for the Green shirts or add to the demise of the Mexico Olympics gold medalists.
India is one of the stronger teams in the tournament and is the defending champions of the Azlan Shah tournament. Their team is a good mix of youth and experience. After Australia, they are favorites for this title. They have also defeated archrivals Pakistan in the recently held World Cup so they would be confident coming into the tournament. China has turned into a force to reckon with in not just hockey but in all the other sports of the world. They have quickly learnt the art of field hockey and are putting in the hard work, climbing up the ranks very quickly. It is not long when they will become a force to reckon with in the days to come.
Talking about forces, Korea is one team no one should take easily in this tournament. Gaining the 6th place in the recent World Cup, they are the ones that the Australians have to be ready for action. Their quick legs in the field, gives them an advantage over their opponents. That leaves only the hosts Malaysia. Although they are not a team that poses any real threats to the other teams, home advantage, and determination can always lead to an upset.
Overall, the teams are nicely balanced and we have a good set of competitors that make a tournament. We have the minnows in Egyptians, the challenge of the youth in Pakistan. Then we have the balanced play of India, while the home fixture advantage favors the Malaysians. The Chinese are the upcoming bunch with the determination of nothing but a champion, while Koreans are the real challengers, with experience, skill, extensive training, and fitness. Nevertheless, what makes a tournament stand out is always the presence of a champion, which no other team can provide better than the mighty Australians are. Thus, this tournament is bound to be a real success story, keep on following it with us.
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