Japan beat Pakistan in penalty shootouts to win Azlan Shan Hockey Cup

Lahore (Monitoring Desk): After a nail-biting contest, Japan thrashed Pakistan 4-1 in the penalty shootout to lift the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024 trophy on Saturday.  

The score was tied at 2-2 in the stipulated time. Japan came hard at Pakistan from the word go and took a 1-0 lead when Tanaka Seren scored a field goal in the 12th minute. Pakistan had 51 per cent possession of the ball in the first half but could not convert it.

However, they roared back with two field goals in less than 10 minutes to take a 2-1 lead in the third quarter.

PM lauds hockey team’s performance

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the outstanding performance of the players of the hockey team in the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup 2024, saying due to the brilliant performance, the national team reached the final game.

“They also played well against Japan in the final. Win and loss are a part of the game. The national team has won the hearts of entire nation,” PM Office Media Wing, in a press release, quoted the prime minister as saying.

The premier further observed that after a long time, the national team had reached the final of a mega tournament which was very encouraging. He reiterated that the government was taking all steps for the promotion of sports in the country; particularly of the national game of hockey.