Nurul Faezah Shafiqah Khalim tested positive after undergoing a swab test upon the team’s arrival on Nov 29, which led to the entire team being quarantined since Dec 1.

The Malaysian Hockey Federation (MHF) said in a statement last night that although they respected the organiser’s decision, the federation was working with the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) to find the best solution to enable the Malaysian Tigress team to play in the championship.

“Nurul Faezah and the entire national squad, including players, coaches and other officials are now in good health and have not exhibited any Covid-19 symptoms,” MHF said.

Meanwhile, the AHF said in a separate statement that the Malaysian squad would not play any match on Dec 5 and 6 due to Covid-19 related issues.

“The AHF regrets the unfortunate situation that has arisen largely due to very recent changes in the South Korean Covid-19 protocols, based on the high number of new cases in the country and region as well as the emergence of the new Omicron variant.

“The AHF and the Korean Hockey Association are doing their utmost to bring the Malaysian women’s team back later in the event.

“It is a key priority for us to allow all athletes and team staff who have trained, prepared and travelled for this amazing event to participate in it,” the statement read.

Malaysia is scheduled to take on India on Monday, Japan on Dec 8, hosts South Korea on Dec 9 and Thailand on Dec 11 in the six-team championship.

The national squad’s best achievement was the bronze medal in the 2013 edition, while it was placed fourth in the last edition in 2018.

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