The event had been in doubt earlier in the week after Johor Bahru which is located in southern Malaysia, was hit with hazardous levels of smoke from forest fires in neighbouring Indonesia.

But Northwesterly winds and precipitation have helped ease the situation enough for the event, which is due to culminate with the final on July 7, to start.

"We are delighted to report that the air quality in Johor Bahru - which was being impacted by smoke from forest fires in Indonesia - has significantly improved over recent days," said the FIH in a statement.

"The FIH and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) will continue to closely monitor the situation throughout the duration of the tournament."


The event will feature eight teams with Germany, England, Pakistan, Korea, Argentina, South Africa and Japan joining host nation Malaysia in the tournament at the striking Taman Daya Hockey Stadium, which hosted the 2009 men's Junior World Cup.

A guaranteed three places at next year's Rabobank Hockey World Cup in The Hague are up for grabs.

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