The Indian men’s hockey team won the Hockey5s Asia Cup on Sunday, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the squad for their guts and perseverance, saying it continues to inspire the country. India defeated Pakistan 2-0 in a shootout to win the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Salalah, Oman, on Saturday after the sides’ regular-season scores were tied at 4-4. Scroll down to see how PM Modi Hails Indian Men’s Hockey Team For Winning Asia Cup.
PM Modi Hails Indian Men’s Hockey Team For Winning Asia Cup
While the entire nation was cheering for the Indian cricket team in a highly anticipated match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, the Indian men’s hockey team defeated Pakistan in the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup Final on Saturday in a 2-0 shootout after both teams were tied at 4-4 in regulation time. With the win, India has guaranteed its place in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2024.
India’s goals came from Mohammed Raheel (19th and 26th), Jugraj Singh (7th), and Maninder Singh (10th). While Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh defeated the custodian to win the shootout.
Field goals were made for Pakistan by Arshad Liaqat (19th), Zikriya Hayat (14th), and captain Abdul Rana (13th). Before Rehman of Pakistan scored the game’s opening goal in the fifth minute, Indian custodian Suraj Karkera made many significant saves.
A few minutes later, Jugraj Singh of India equalized. India took the lead with a long reverse stroke from Maninder Singh. However, due to captain Abdul Rana (13th) and Zikriya Hayat (14th), Pakistan quickly came back and restored the lead.
The Men in Blue began to play with more possession and exert more pressure, but Pakistan increased its lead in the 19th minute due to Arshad Liaqat.
Mohammed Raheel quickly gave India a point back. The Indians immediately increased the ante and began attacking from all directions.
In the 26th minute, Mohammed Raheel collected a long pass. He sped past Pakistan’s pressed defenders to score and draw the game once more.
After neither side was able to win the game, India scored two goals in the shootout on goals from Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh.
Pakistani attempts by Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza were unsuccessful, which contributed to the Men in Blue winning the tournament.
India’s PM Modi wrote on X, “Champions in the Hockey5s Asia Cup. Congratulations on a fantastic win for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players. And with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey World Cup in Oman next year.”
According to Modi, the tenacity and perseverance of our athletes continue to motivate our country.
Following the triumph, Hockey India provided financial incentives of Rs 2 lakh for the players. Rs 1 lakh was provided for each member of the support team.
