Belgium edged India 1-0 in a thrilling final to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament in Ipoh, marking their triumphant return
BELGIUM made a triumphant return to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Invitational Hockey Tournament to lifted the trophy after they edged India 1-0 in a thrilling final at Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh, Perak on Sunday night.
Thibeau Stockbroekx’s 34th minute goal was good enough for them to emerge champion in the six nation tournament after a 17-year hiatus.
The intense match, which was graced by Sultan of Perak Sultan Nazrin Shah and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim, attracted some 3,000 spectators.
The world No. 3 ranked Belgians competed in 2008 and finished sixth but this time around they made sure to take home the trophy.
India, who have won the Cup five times, the last being declared as joint winners with Korea in 2010, tried hard to win the match.
First half saw both teams missing several chances.
Belgium came to a Ipoh with a reputation of coming runners-up in the FIH Men’s 2024-2025 Pro League.
It was more celebration for Belgium when Vincent Vanasch was declared the Best Goalkeeper, followed by Tom Boon who was named the Player of the Tournament .
Belgium coach Shane McLeod said: “We are happy and excited with the victory… it was a tough game. India has always been a strong team.
“It is always wonderful to have European teams like Belgium, and other team such as New Zealand and Australia including Asian teams compete in this beautiful tournament.
“This victory comes at a moment when we are preparing for the new FIH Pro League which is just 10 days away.
“We came here in 2008 and only managed sixth spot but today we are champion,“ he added.
Indian coach Craig Fulton said: ”It was a tough and entertaining match for the fans… we could not get the one goal to go to the next level.
“Credit to Belgium for the victory… nevertheless I am sure the youngsters have learned a lot from this experience.
“This tournament provides the best opportunities for the teams and we move on to our training for the World Cup and Asian Games,“ he added.
Meanwhile,New Zealand’s Sam Lane received the top scorer award with nine goals. The Kiwis took third spot after they defeated Malaysia 6-1.
Korea who finished at the bottom of the table had some consolation when they took home the Fair Play award.
