The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Malaysia will open its campaign against South Korea in the 22nd edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup that will be held in Ipoh from March 9 to 17, 2013.

And defending champions New Zealand, who edged Argentina 1-0 in the final last year will open their title defence against Asian Champions Trophy winners Pakistan. The third game of the opening day will see Australia up against a resurgent India.

Six teams have confirmed participation in the tournament which is the longest surviving invitational international event that first debuted in 1983.

Australia will make a return after sitting out last years tournament and both Great Britain and Argentina declined the invitation to participate this time around.

"Although there are six teams, the tournament will showcase hockey of the highest standards as I believe that this tournament is a vital cog in the various teams participation in a series of world events being held over the coming year," said Organising Chairman Dato Abdul Rahim Md Arif.

"The European teams are not able to play this time of the year due to their domestic calendar. However with Ipoh also playing host to the Asia Cup this August, we could not hold it near our normal month of May as many teams are also involved in the World League tournament.

"Still we are grateful to those who have committed to play and there is no doubt that teams will be at their best to entertain the hockey loving fans here in Perak and Malaysia as a whole."

Dato Rahim said that preparations for the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup had begun since November and that the Asian Hockey Confederation, together with the Malaysian Hockey Confederation with be holding two courses, for coaches and umpires at the Raja Ashman AHF-MHC Academy.