Malaysia Hockey Confederation says 2007 Men's Champions Trophy will be played at national hockey stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur from November 29 to December 9, 2007.
International Hockey Federation (FIH) last week decided Malaysia will host 2007 Men's Champions Trophy. ``We are happy Malaysia Hockey Confederation was able to accept responsibility to host important event,'' FIH President Els van Breda Vriesman said. ``We know time for preparation is short but are confident Champions Trophy will be a success under organization of Malaysia.''
Malaysia agreed to host event after FIH decided it was impossible to play Champions Trophy in Lahore, Pakistan.
With Malaysia as new host, Champions Trophy 2007 will be expanded to eight teams and tournament played as 1 pool competition. The six original participants Australia, Germany, Korea, Netherlands, Pakistan, Spain will be joined by host Malaysia and Great Britain.
FIH decided to invite Pakistan to participate as some compensation for disappointment of not being able to host tournament. Malaysia is added as host together with England (to be represented by Great Britain) due to its 5th ranking at World Cup 2006.
Vriesman said ``It is fair, just outcome taking all factors into account and ensures top teams in the world will be able to utilize the tournament as part of their preparations for Beijing Olympic Games.'' FIH will release match schedule later this month. Reuters