KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's bid to retain their men's Indoor Hockey Asia Cup title faces a potential hurdle due to a change in format, resulting in teams playing more matches.
The top two teams in the Asia Cup in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, from May 21 to 25, will qualify for next year's World Cup in Croatia.
Malaysia are in Group A with Oman, Indonesia and Kazakhstan, while eight-time champions Iran, Thailand, Singapore and Tajikistan are in Group B.
Under the new format, the top two teams from each group will advance to a round-robin competition, with the top-performing teams earning a berth in the final.
Unlike previous editions, where the top two teams in each group advanced directly to the semi-finals, the new format presents a challenge for Malaysia, according to team manager Shurizan Mansor.
"We expect our players to give 100 per cent commitment to successfully defend their title. A top two finish will see us qualify for our first World Cup," said Shurizan.
With nine players retained from the 2022-winning squad, Malaysia have also included newcomers Aminuddin Zain, Shazril Irwan Nazli, and Abdul Khaliq Hamirin to beef up the team.
Chief coach Rodzhanizam Mat Radzi is confident his charges will do well in Kazakhstan.
"The players showed good understanding during recent friendlies against Singapore and Thailand. I have faith in this team," said Rodzhanizam.
In Taldykorgan, Malaysia are expected to vie with Indonesia and Kazakhstan for the semi-final berths in their group.
Indonesia clinched gold in last year's Phnom Penh Sea Games by edging out Malaysia in a penalty shootout.
Kazakhstan, meanwhile, secured third place in the 2022 Asian Cup edition in Bangkok, where Malaysia were champions after victory over Iran in the final.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Khairul Afendy Kamaruzaman, Hazrul Faiz Ahmad Sobri;
Defenders: Najmi Farizal Jazlan, Aminuddin Zain, Aslam Hanafiah, Shazril Irwan Nazli;
Midfielders: Firdaus Omar, Izham Azhar, Norsyafiq Sumantri;
Forwards: Ashran Hamsani, Faridzul Afiq, Abdul Khaliq Hamirin.