Japan beats Pakistan to lift 30th Azlan Shah Hockey Cup

IPOH: Japan Hockey Team lifted the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Cup beating Pakistan 4:1 in the Penalty Shootout here on Saturday (11th May, 2024).

Earlier the match ended in a draw with both Japan and Pakistan scoring two goals each. In the shootout, Samurais transformed all four of their penalties into goals.

Green Shirts, that remained invincible throughout the tournament, made only one goal as its keeper was not trained for this specific metier of goalkeeping and shootouts.

Meanwhile, PM has announced Rs. 1 million for each player of the Hockey Team.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan played its last Sultan Azlan Shah Cup thirteen years ago.

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APP Adds: Japan emerged as the champion of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, defeating Pakistan in a thrilling penalty shootout.

The match ended with a 2-2 draw at the end of scheduled time, but Japan won on the penalty shootout by 4-1.

Pakistan’s team, which had won the bronze medal in the previous event, put up a stellar performance but failed to capitalize on their chances.

The final match between Pakistan and Japan began with a fast-paced game, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Pakistan earned eight penalty corners during the match but couldn’t convert them into goals.

Japan’s player, Seren Tanaka, scored the first goal in the 12th minute, which was equalized by Pakistan’s Ajaz Ahmed in the 34th minute.

Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman scored another goal in the 37th minute, but Japan’s Matsunoto equalized again in the 47th minute, making the score 2-2.

In the penalty shootout, Pakistan’s team couldn’t do well, with only Imad Butt scoring a goal. Japan won the penalty shootout by 4-1, claiming the title of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

Pakistan’s team won the silver medal, an improvement from their bronze medal finish in the previous event. Meanwhile Pakistan’s Rana Waheed Ashraf was declared Man of the match.

President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday appreciated the brilliant performance of the Pakistan National Hockey Team in the final match of Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024, played in Malaysia.

The president observed that after a long time, the national team displayed excellent skills throughout the tournament and securing a berth in the final was a good sign of improvement.

The president also stressed upon promotion of the national game of hockey and expressed the optimism that the national team would demonstrate such outstanding performance in the future.

PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the outstanding performance of the players of Pakistan National Hockey Team in the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup, 2024, played in Malaysia.

The prime minister said that due to the brilliant performance, the national team reached the final game.

“They also played well against Japan in the final. Win and loss are a part of the game. The national team has won the hearts of entire nation.”

He further observed that after a long time, the national team had reached the final of a mega tournament which was very encouraging.

The prime minister reiterated that the government was taking all steps for the promotion of sports in the country; particularly of the national game of hockey.