The Pakistan team competed in the 30th Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final match on Saturday, earning a silver medal for their splendid performance throughout the tournament and in reaching the final.
Japan defeated Pakistan in the final match and won the nail-biting match by 4:1 in the penalty shoot-out time and received a golden medal for the title of the cup. Japan became the champions of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
The match ended in a 2-2 draw until the designated time, but during the penalty shootout, Japan defeated Pakistan with a score of 1-4.
The final match between Pakistan and Japan started with fast-paced action, with both teams launching attacks on each other’s goalposts. Pakistan received eight penalty corners during the match, but they couldn’t capitalize on them.
In the 12th minute of the match, Japanese player Seren Tanaka scored a goal, which was equalized by Pakistan’s Ajaz Ahmad in the 34th minute. Pakistani player Abdul Rahman scored another goal in the 37th minute, giving Pakistan the lead. However, Japanese player Matsumoto scored a field goal in the 47th minute, leveling the match at 2-2.
In the penalty shootout phase, the Pakistan team couldn’t display efficiency. From Pakistan’s side, Rana Wahid Ashraf and Arshad Liaquat Gul couldn’t score, but Imad Butt scored the only goal for Pakistan in the penalty shootout phase.
Japan won the penalty shootout 1-4 and claimed the honor of the event. The Pakistan hockey team secured the silver medal in the event.
President Asif Ali Zardari praised the team’s exceptional performance in all matches, including the final against Japan. Zardari expressed delight at the national hockey team’s return to the final of a major tournament after a considerable period. He expressed hope for continued improvement in future matches.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the team for their resilience, while Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz noted that they had won the nation’s admiration. Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Akhter also extended his congratulations. The Punjab Sports Minister announced a reward of Rs2 million for the hockey team, with Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti also praising their performance against Japan.
President PHF Shehla Reza and Secretary General Haider Hussain congratulated the Pakistan hockey team on their splendid performance and winning the silver medal in the final match.