Asia Cup win must for Pakistan to qualify for World Cup

Kuantan (Malaysia), May 12 (ANI): Pakistan must win the ongoing Asia Cup Hockey tournament in order to secure a birth in the World Cup to be held in New Delhi next year.

Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said that as per the International Hockey Federation (FIH) decision, only the winners of the Asia Cup would qualify for the World Cup.

Khan downed the notion that Pakistan would qualify automatically for the mega event, even if it reaches the final of the Asia Cup with India.

"We must win Asia Cup here to qualify for the World Cup," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

Khan said after defeating the defending champions India in the first game, Pakistan team is upbeat about its performance, and are confident of winning the tournament.

"We would be going all out to win here to make things easy for us. We need element of luck to win here. Its tough task, but boys are motivated after Indian win," he added.

Being the host country, India has already qualified for the World Cup. (ANI)