Malaysia A scored a goal in each half through S.Kugan and Keevan Raj for the victory.

The championship, organised by the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) was opened by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Azlan Shah who is also the AHF president.

In another match, Uzbekistan whipped Thailand 13-1 with Mamedov Ravil scoring five goals and Qualandraov Gloib completing a hat-trick in the rout.

Mamedov struck in the 14th, 17th, 23rd, 25th and 27th minutes while Qualandraov sounded the board in the 9th, 31st and 33rd minutes.

Juraev Farhod added a brace in the 19th and 39th minutes while Satlikov Ruslan (16th min) and Nasurfaev Nariman (32nd min) completed Thailand’s misery.

Boonpea Warun scored Thailand’s only goal of the match in the 22nd minute.

Today defending champion Iran play Malaysia B at 4.30pm and Malaysia A face Thailand at 6pm.

All matches would be played at the Indera Mulia Indoor stadium, Ipoh.