Japan emerged victorious over Pakistan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a thrilling encounter that ended in a penalty shootout on Saturday.
The game began with Japan taking the lead in the first half, exploiting a gap in Pakistan’s defense to score from the left wing. However, Pakistan rallied in the second half, drawing level and then taking the lead with two quick goals.
Just when it seemed Pakistan would secure the win, Japan mounted a late comeback, equalizing the score and sending the game into a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Japan maintained their composure, converting all four penalties, while Pakistan struggled, managing to score only one out of three.
This final match marked Pakistan’s return to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final after a hiatus of 13 years. Despite a valiant effort, Japan’s victory sealed the tournament title.
Throughout the tournament, Pakistan demonstrated resilience, maintaining an unbeaten record until the final match. Their journey to the final was marked by notable performances, including a commendable 1-1 draw against New Zealand in the last round-robin match.
Looking ahead to the final showdown against Japan, Pakistan’s coach Roelant Oltmans anticipated a closely contested match, acknowledging Japan’s defensive prowess and compact playstyle.
While congratulating the team on their outstanding performance, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting sports in the country, particularly hockey. He commended the team for winning the hearts of the nation and expressed hope for continued success in the future.
President Asif Ali Zardari also praised the team’s excellent performance, underscoring the importance of fostering hockey development in Pakistan.
Provincial leaders, including Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, extended their best wishes to the team, expressing confidence in Pakistan’s victory.
To ensure widespread access, the government arranged for live broadcast coverage of the final match, allowing the nation to come together in support of the Pakistani hockey team’s pursuit of glory.
