International football — tournament association: The Merdeka Cup, historically hosted in Malaysia, is associated with which sport?

Introduction / Context:
The Merdeka Cup is a long-running invitational tournament and a recognized name in Asian sports history. Identifying the sport linked to such trophies improves a learner’s ability to decode sports news and historic references.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Merdeka Cup is the name of the competition.
• The question asks for the sport associated with it.
• Malaysia’s “Merdeka” (independence) provides cultural context.

Concept / Approach:
Knowledge of Asian football history reveals the Merdeka Tournament (Piala Merdeka) as an international men’s football invitational first held in the late 1950s, commemorating Malaysia’s independence.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Recognize “Merdeka” = independence in Malay; the cup is a national celebration event.2) Recall that the Merdeka Cup is associated with football, featuring national and select club sides over time.3) Choose Football (Soccer).

Verification / Alternative check:
Lists of international invitational football tournaments in Asia invariably include Malaysia’s Merdeka Cup.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Badminton / Tennis / Hockey: Malaysia excels in these sports too, but the Merdeka Cup specifically refers to football.

Common Pitfalls:
Mixing it with badminton or hockey due to Malaysia’s strong traditions; the “Cup” plus national-celebration context typically signals football.

Final Answer:
Football (Soccer)