CHENNAI, Dec 14: Former champions Pakistan will lead a strong Asian challenge in the World Cup men’s hockey qualifying tournament to be played in the Chinese coastal city of Changzhou in April. Pakistan, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and hosts China will battle seven other teams in the April 12-23 qualifiers for five spots at the World Cup in Germany in September.

The other teams to feature in Changzhou are England, Belgium, Canada, Egypt, France, Ireland and New Zealand, according to the International Hockey Federation (FIH).

The five qualifiers will join defending champions Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, India, Australia, Argentina and South Africa in the 12-nation World Cup in the German town of Monchengladbach from Sept 6-17.

The Chinese team under former South Korean coach Kim Sang-Ryul is currently based in Chennai to witness the ongoing Champions Trophy featuring the top six nations of the world.

“It has been a great experience to play practice matches and watch the world’s best players in action,” said Kim.

“Hockey is growing in China and the World Cup qualifiers will give the sport a boost in the country. With India having gained a direct entry, I hope at least four other Asian teams will make it to the World Cup from the qualifying tournament,” he said.—AFP