India emerges as champions in the inaugural Asia Five Hockey Cup
Salalah witnesses an intense showdown between arch-rivals India and Pakistan
Salalah – In a thrilling final at the esteemed Salalah Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex, history was made as India clinched victory in the first-ever Asia Five Hockey Cup. The high-stakes encounter saw India outshine their fierce competitors, Pakistan, in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The match, which proved to be a sporting spectacle of epic proportions, ended in a draw as both teams gallantly scored four goals each in the exhilarating two legs. However, it was during the penalty shootout that India truly showcased their mettle. Talented players Maninder Singh and Gurjot Singh impressively propelled India to glory as they flawlessly converted their shots into goals. On the other hand, Pakistan’s hopes were crushed as the valiant attempts by Arshad Liaquat and Mohammad Murtaza were valiantly foiled by the remarkable goalkeeping prowess of Suraj Karkera.
Notably, as a testament to their remarkable performances, the finalists, India and Pakistan, have secured direct qualification for the highly anticipated Five-a-side Hockey World Cup, scheduled to be held in Muscat next year. The momentous achievement received immense support from passionate Indian fans, including the enthusiastic Malayalees who thronged the stadium to cheer on their national heroes.
India won the first Asia Five Hockey Cup held in Salalah. In the final, India won the title by defeating their neighbors Pakistan in a penalty shootout.
The match played at the Salalah Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex ended in a draw with both teams scoring four goals each in the two legs. While Maninder Singh and Gurjot Singh scored for India in the shootout, shots from Pakistani players Arshad Liaquat and Mohammad Murtaza were blocked by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.
Finalists India and Pakistan qualified directly for the Five-a-side Hockey World Cup to be held in Muscat next year. Many Indians including Malayalees came to watch the match to encourage the Indian team.
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