Just when the entire country was busy rooting for the Indian cricket team in a much-awaited battle with Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, the Indian men’s hockey team outplayed Pakistan in the Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup Final on Saturday in a 2-0 shootout following both teams were locked at 4-4 in regulation time.
The Indian team has sealed their spot in the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup 2024 with the victory. For India, Mohammed Raheel (19th and 26th goals), Jugraj Singh (7th), and Maninder Singh (10th goals) smashed goals during regulation time, while Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored in the shootout by defeating the custodian. Arshad Liaqat (19th), Zikriya Hayat (14th), and captain Abdul Rana (13th) collected goals for Pakistan.
After India won a thrilling clash against Pakistan, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to his social media handle and wished the Indian team for their impeccable performance.
"Champions at the Hockey5s Asia Cup! Congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey Team on a phenomenal victory. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players and with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year," wrote PM Modi.
Both teams did not manage to score a winner, and as a result, things went to a shootout, Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored for India. For Pakistan, Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza missed their chances, allowing the Men in Blue to lift the title.
Post the game, Hockey India declared a cash prize of ₹2 lakh to the players and ₹1 lakh each for the support staff.