KUALA LUMPUR: The International Hockey Federation (FIH) will open the bidding process for the Junior Asia Cup (JAC) soon, and Malaysia are interested in hosting the event, which doubles up as a 2025 Junior World Cup (JWC) qualifier.
The window for hosting the JAC is slated for September and October next year.
The good news is that since India have qualified for the semi-finals of the KL JWC, there will be three JWC berths for the 2025 edition from the JAC qualifier.
"The FIH respects Malaysia as one of its active partners, and they are welcome to bid for the JAC. The country that offers the best bid will host it," said FIH president Datuk Tayyab Ikram, who is in KL to watch the JAC.
However, the significant hosting fee poses a challenge for countries.
The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) paid RM1.6 million to FIH to bring the JWC to Malaysian shores, and a hosting fee for the JAC is anticipated.
"This is one matter which FIH will look into and come out with a solution with our hosting partners. Rest assured, we will make it a win-win situation for FIH and host nations in the future," said Tayyab.
The MHC spent RM3.7 million, including the hosting fee, for the current JWC, funds acquired through sponsorship.
In contrast to football, Fifa employs a win-win formula with its partners, including TV rights.
Malaysia are also interested in hosting the 2025 Indoor World Cup in Putrajaya.
MHC president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal said: "We have identified a plot of land with the help of the Putrajaya Corporation to build an indoor hockey stadium as we are interested in bidding for the 2025 Indoor World Cup.
"MHC is also interested in pushing for Hockey 5s to be played at the Sea Games level so that there will be six gold medals on offer," added Subahan.
The six gold medals in the Sea Games consist of two each from field hockey, indoor hockey, and Hockey 5s.