India’s men’s hockey team fell 0-1 to Belgium in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 on Sunday, with forward Thibeau Stockbroekx scoring the lone goal in the 34th minute. Despite earning three penalty corners, India were unable to find the equalizer.
Belgium, the only unbeaten side in the tournament, had also defeated India 3-2 during the round-robin stage, making this victory a second scalp over the Indians. The win marked Belgium’s first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title in just their second appearance, having finished sixth in their debut tournament in 2008.
India reached the final after finishing second in the six-team points table. Their campaign included a narrow 1-0 win over Korea, a 3-2 defeat to Belgium, and hard-fought victories over Malaysia (4-3), New Zealand (3-2), and Canada (14-3).
In the other matches, New Zealand secured third place with a 6-1 triumph over hosts Malaysia, while Canada edged Korea 5-4 to finish fifth.
India’s team can hold their heads high despite the loss, having displayed resilience and skill throughout the tournament.
Discussion about this post