Malaysia ready to host Fit Touch World Cup

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia are honoured to be given the opportunity to organise the Federation of International Touch (FIT) TOUCH World Cup despite being newcomers in the sport which was inaugurated in 1988.

The 9th edition will kick start at the Taman Ekuestrian in Putrajaya from 29th April - 4th May.

A total of 26 countries have confirmed participation with 117 teams and 2,500 participants vying for top honours in 11 categories.

The countries competing comprise of Australia, Belgium, Chile, China, Taiwan, Cook Island, England, Fiji, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Holland, New Zealand. Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Scotland, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United States, Wales, South Africa and Malaysia as hosts.

The 11 categories are men's and women's Open, mixed open, women's 27 years, men's 30 years, mixed 30 years, men's and women's 35 years, men's 40, men's 45 and men's 50 years.

Australia emerged as champions in the last edition which was held in Coffs Harbour, Australia, back in 2015.

Malaysia are indeed fortunate to be given the honour by the Federation of International Touch (FIT) to organise such a big event.

In fact, Malaysia are the first to do so in Southeast Asia where the sport is fast gaining popularity in this region.

Based on past records. defending champions Australia will once again be the main focus of attention across all the categories.

Their main rivals should be New Zealand, who are a force to be reckoned with of late.

However, both these countries cannot sit on their laurels and be complacent as several other nations such as Samoa, Fiji, and Cook Island are bridging the gap and cannot be taken lightly, which makes this edition a more competitive and challenging one.

As hosts and debutants, Malaysia have not set any target but have vowed to give their best and spring some surprises.

They will use this tournament to gain experience for future meets.

Malaysia will be represented by 3 teams namely in the mixed, women's open and men's 40 years categories.

Malaysia will be banking to do well in two categories namely the mixed team and men's 40 years.

The homesters will open their campaign in the men's 40 years against Singapore on the opening day on Monday, while the mixed team and women's open team will both take on New Zealand in their opening tie on Tuesday.

Several teams have arrived since Thursday to get acclimatised with the hot and humid weather conditions here.