IPOH, Malaysia: Indian team continued their good show in the Azlan Shah Cup as they beat hosts Malaysia 3-1 in the final to clinch the 18th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup yesterday.
The Indian team claimed Azlan Shah Cup after putting an end to their 13-year title drought. Indian team won the coveted title last in 1995 while they finished runners-up in the last edition. Earlier, New Zealand beat Pakistan 2-1 to take third place.
Arjun Halappa drew first blood to put India into lead as early in the 8th minute of the game against Malaysia but the happiness in the Indian camp were short-lived as Azlon Mizron restored parity for Malaysia three minutes later.
The Indian team didn’t panic at all after losing the early lead as they played their heart out and went ahead again through Prabhjot Singh who sounded the board in the 20th minute.
Malaysian players had tried their hard to level the scores again but the formidable Indian defense gave no room to them inside the striking circle. India led 2-1 at the lemon-break.
On changing the ends, Indian team adopted an attacking ploy against the hosts and consolidated their lead after Shivender Singh slotted team’s third goal.
The Indians were champions in 1985, 1991 and 1995 while their other final appearances were in 2006 and last year.
India’s coach Harendra Singh said the Azlan Shah Cup title has come at the right time for the country, looking to revive its lost glory in the sport.
“It’s a great achievement for Indian hockey. We have won the title after 13 years. Every player contributed to take the team thus far,” Harendra said.
“Indian hockey is slowly and steadily coming back on track. We are heading toward the goal of being in the top six by the year end,” he said.
“The win also gave us a berth for the Asia Cup and we are looking forward to it.”
“It has been a roller-coaster ride for the team. The boys showed character and performed when it mattered,” Harendra said.
Indian skipper and drag-flick expert Sandeep Singh has been in good form in the tournament and scripted India’s turnaround. He scored six goals in the tournament.
Sandeep led from the front in a must-win game against Pakistan, converting two penalty corners as India won 2-1 to book their fifth final appearance and second successive.
“Sandeep was in good touch throughout the tournament. He scored at crucial moments to bail us out of tight situations,” Harendra said.
