Belgium Claims Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Title After Narrow Win Over India
Image Source: Internet
In a closely contested final match at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Belgium secured their first title at the tournament by defeating the Indian men's hockey team 1-0. The European side's Thibeau Stockbroekx scored the winning goal in the 34th minute, giving Belgium their third title in the competition, with their previous wins dating back to 2008 and 2009. The Indian team, led by Sanjay, had a strong league stage performance, defeating South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, and Canada, but suffered a loss to the 2023 World Cup silver medalists earlier in the tournament. In the final match, India struggled to create scoring opportunities, entering the Belgian striking circle only three times and earning three penalty corners, but failing to convert any of them. Belgium, on the other hand, maintained possession and earned six short corners, but ultimately converted one of their five circle penetrations in the third quarter. The Belgian defense, led by legendary skipper Arthur van Doren, effectively halted India's counterattacks and secured the win. It's worth noting that both teams had rested some of their top players, with India giving youngsters exposure ahead of the 2026 World Cup and Asian Games. Despite this, Belgium's experience and teamwork proved to be the deciding factor in their victory.
