KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian men's and women's Hockey 5s teams broke new ground when both qualified for the inaugural World Cup in Muscat, Oman on Jan 24-31.
However, the men's team were edged 5-4 by hosts Oman who snatched the bronze medal with gritty display in Salalah on Saturday.
Last week, the women's team won bronze in the Asia Cup and qualified on merit.
The men's team, who lost 10-4 to India in the semi-finals, qualified even before they entered the pitch against Oman on Saturday.
This is because the top three teams in the Asia Cup qualify for the World Cup, with Oman as hosts.
India and Pakistan are the other teams who will play in the World Cup.
Malaysia, who thrashed Oman 10-4 in the Elite Group stage, played below par and were always one step behind the hosts for 30 minutes.
Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin (seventh, 22nd), Muhibuddin Moharam (11th) and Akhimullah Anuar Esok (26th) scored for Malaysia.
"We made too many mistakes against Oman and paid for it, but we achieved our mission by qualifying for the World Cup. The tournament was not easy because every team gave a good account of themselves.
"It was a learning experience for some players because 5s is a new game for them. It is totally different from field hockey.
"It is good to qualify," said coach Wallace Tan.