Malaysia to host ice hockey meet

MALAYSIA has won the right to host the World Ice Hockey Fives at the Pyramid Ice in Sunway Pyramid from May 2-6.

The public will be treated to a preview of the event at Pyramid Ice today when the Flying Farangs from Bangkok take on Kuala Lumpur Mat Sallehs at 7.45pm.

Lee (left) and Gavin showing off the logo for the World Ice Hockey Fives tournament using their lap-top.

The Kuala Lumpur Mat Sallehs, one of the four teams Malaysia will enter for the tournament, are made up of expatriates. It includes the Czech Republic's ambassador to Malaysia, Vitezslav Grepl.

More than 11 countries will be taking part in this year's tournament sponsored by Malaysia Airlines, making it the biggest ice hockey event in Asia.

''Ice hockey has gained a following in Malaysia. Although the number is small, the enthusiasm shown makes up for it,'' Sunway Pyramid Ice Rink manager and tournament committee chairman Gavin Clyde said.

Malaysia has three skating rinks - one in Penang and two in Klang Valley - but Clyde says the sport is catching on with teenagers.

''We are happy to be associated with a game that is slowly gaining popularity not only in Asia but in Malaysia as well,'' said MAS Golden Holidays sales and marketing manager Lee Weng Chi.

Ice hockey is reputed to be one of the fastest sports in the world. It is also a very physical game.

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