The Malaysian National Women Hockey Team poses for a group shot at the Grand Kazan Hotel
The Malaysian National Women's Hockey Team defeated host Russia, 2-1 to secure 7th place in the first FIH Womens Champions Challenge II held in the Russian city of Kazan from 21 to 27 June 2009. Malaysia earlier managed to hold the higher-ranked Russians 2-2 during the group match. The Indian team was crowned champions after besting Belgium 6-3 in the Finals.
The Malaysian team fought valiantly through the tournament and almost finished within the 5-6 bracket after holding Canada 0-0 during full time of the group game. The team lost 3-4 during sudden death penalty stroke after Canada successfully converted the 4th stroke.
En. Abd Razak Abdul Wahab, Chargé d'affaires a.i. who was in Kazan for the Intenational Islamic Business and Finance Summit visited the team during one of the training sessions and wished the team the very best for the tournament.
While the team unfortunately did not manage to secure a better finish during the tournament, it was an important meet as part of the team's preparation for the 2010 Asia Games as well as improving the Malaysia's world rank in women's hockey.