Youth and Sports minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek has issued the Malaysian Ice Hockey team heading to the Asian Winter Games in Astana Alamaty, Kazakhstan from Jan 29 to Feb 6, a pleasant challenge.

"Bring back a medal and we will build an Olympic size ice hockey stadium," said Ahmad Shabery, who was proud with the efforts of the Malaysian Ice Hockey Federation's efforts.

"We are ready to help the sport and the ministry will do its part to help promote and develop the sport."

Ahmad Shabery who handed the 'Jalur Gemilang' to Asian Winter Games Chef-de-Mission Lee Hwa Beng today said it was not impossible to see the sport become a favourite among Malaysians one day.

The 20-member ice hockey team is expected to leave on Jan 23.

- Bernama