India Beat Pakistan in Shootout to Win Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup

Salalah (Oman): In a thrilling match at the Men’s Hockey5s Asia Cup, India emerged as champions, defeating their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in a dramatic shootout. After a tightly contested regulation time that ended in a 4-4 tie, India secured a 2-0 victory in the shootout. This victory also secured India’s spot in the upcoming FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup in 2024.

During regulation time, the goal scorers for India were Mohammed Raheel (19th and 26th minutes), Jugraj Singh (7th minute), and Maninder Singh (10th minute). On the other hand, Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman (5th minute), captain Abdul Rana (13th minute), Zikriya Hayat (14th minute), and Arshad Liaqat (19th minute) found the target.

Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made crucial saves, but Pakistan managed to break the deadlock with Abdul Rehman’s goal in the fifth minute. Jugraj Singh quickly equalized for India, and they took the lead with Maninder Singh’s reverse hit.

However, Pakistan struck back through skipper Abdul Rana and Zikriya Hayat to regain their lead. Arshad Liaqat extended Pakistan’s advantage in the 19th minute, but Mohammed Raheel promptly pulled one back for India.

In the 26th minute, Mohammed Raheel’s solo effort levelled the score once again. Despite both teams’ efforts, no winner emerged during regulation time, leading to a shootout.

In the shootout, Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored for India, while Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza missed their attempts for Pakistan. This shootout victory allowed India to claim the championship title.

Hockey India celebrated the triumph by announcing a cash prize of ₹2 lakh for the players and ₹1 lakh each for the support staff. This victory marks a significant achievement for Indian hockey and sets the stage for their participation in the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup in 2024.