KUALA LUMPUR: The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup returns after a one-year hiatus, and it will be held in Ipoh from May 4-11.
Perak Hockey Association (PHA) president Datuk Sayuti Samat confirmed that the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, has given consent for the tournament to be hosted.
"It will be a six-nation event, and we have extended invitations to 12 countries.
"The closing date for entries is Jan 26. "If we receive an overwhelming response, only five teams will be picked to join the Speedy Tigers in the tournament," said Sayuti.
Invitations have been sent out to world champions Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, Argentina, India, alongBritain, France, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan and South Africa.
Malaysia won the title for the first time 2022 - the last time it was held.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be a crucial warm-up if Malaysia qualify for the Paris Olympics in July.
Arul Selvaraj's men will be vying for one of the three spots on offer at the Olympic qualifier in Muscat, Oman from Jan 15-21.
