Historic Win for Japan
It was a Japanese moment to remember in hockey. The men won the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy for the first time. On May 11, 2024, in Ipoh, Malaysia, Japan locked horns with Pakistan in the final. The match ended 2-2, with the two teams heading into a penalty shootout, in which Japan emerged victorious, winning 4-1 at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Final Match:Regulation Time Drama
The final between Japan and Pakistan was an intense affair. The two teams matched each other’s skilful plays, with the match ending 2-2 in regulation time. With the tension building and the crowd on the edge of their seats, the match headed to a decider in the form of a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, the Japanese held their nerve and shot with precision and composure. They outdid Pakistan 4-1 to win the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy for the first time in history.
Final Placement in the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy
Teams
The 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy featured six teams:
- Japan
- Pakistan
- Canada
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Malaysia (Hosts)
Results of the Competition
- Champions: Japan
- Runner-Up: Pakistan
- Third Place: Malaysia
- Fourth Place: New Zealand
- Fifth Place: South Korea
- Sixth Place: Canada
India’s Missing and World Rankings
Focus on the Olympics
India, a regular participant and five-time winner, opted out of the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy this time. They focused on the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Rankings Update
The tournament saw a mix of teams, with New Zealand the highest seeded at 10th in the world. After the final, Japan rose to 15th in the world ranking, while Pakistan dipped to 16th. The sixth-ranked Indians are in preparation mode for the Olympics, while the Netherlands stands atop the world rankings, followed by Belgium, Australia, Germany, and England.
About the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy
History and Significance
The Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy, organized by the Malaysia Hockey Confederation, is an annual invitational hockey tournament. It was a biennial event when it started in 1983, but its popularity ensured it would become an annual event in 1999. It takes its name from Sultan Azlan Shah, a seminal figure for Asian hockey, in memory of the services he did for the game.
Venue and Most Successful Teams
The event is held in Ipoh, capital of the Malaysian state of Perak. The competition has evolved into a significant event on the international hockey calendar. Australia holds the most titles in the event with 10, followed by five for India and three for Pakistan.
Conclusion
Japan’s victory in the 2024 Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy is truly a monumental achievement for their hockey team. This historical win reflects the hard work, determination, and growth of their hockey. In the midst of hockey fraternity’s jubilation for Japan’s victory, all eyes are turned toward more challenges ahead, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. This victory can be viewed not just as a big win for Japan but as a reflection of the dynamic and ever-changing nature of hockey.
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