The Philippine Floorball Association (PFA) is hoping for a strong finish when it competes in the 2024 Asia Oceania World Championship Qualification which opens next Tuesday, May 21, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Playing under head coach Noel Alm Johansson, team captain Lucas Perez Oijvall leads the men's national team against seven other teams in the five-day long tournament, with the top 3 finishers earning spots to December's World Championship in Malmö, Sweden.

While booking a ticket to the Sweden tournament serves as the main goal for the squad, PFA President Ralph Ramos also emphasized that the country’s hosting is focused on promoting the sport to the youth.

“We’re one of the favorites here in the tournament. We have home court advantage so the team right now is thriving more,” Ramos said in Tuesday’s PSA Forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO, and ArenaPlus.

“It’s a long process of development, that's what the association is aiming for. We hope to inspire lalo na ngayon we’re hosting the tournament, especially the kids, those who will watch live,” he added.

Currently ranked No. 14 in the world and No. 2 in Southeast Asia, the Philippine team is looking forward to a stellar campaign against the best teams in Asia and Oceania.

The Philippines is bracketed with New Zealand, Thailand and South Korea while on the other side are Singapore, Australia, Japan and China.

“We have more experience now, and this is a great opportunity how far we’ve come,” said PH unit skipper Oijvall, who was part of the silver-medal winning team in last year’s Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia.

According to Johansson, there are seven new members in the squad including top players from Sweden.

“Most of the players are from Sweden, and they are really excited to play in front of the Filipino fans,” Johansson said.

Over five years, the nationals have improved their global ranking from No. 35 to 14.