The Pakistan team celebrates their 5-4 win over India at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Al Rayyan Stadium yesterday. Salim Matramkot
Doha: Pakistan dethroned defending champions India 5-4 to win Asian Champions Trophy hockey title at Al Rayyan Stadium yesterday.
A brace from Muhammad Waqas (8th and 56th minute) and goals from Shafqat Rasool (42) Rashid Mehmood (48) and Muhammad Ateeq (64) helped Pakistan to avenge their loss to India in the first edition of the championship held in China.
India’s goals came from S V Sunil (9), VR Raghunath (20), Gurwinder Chandi (55) and Rupinder Pal Singh (59).
The controversy-ridden final which saw the teams playing fast attacking hockey was marred by a late decision which robbed some glitter of the nine-goal thriller.
Korean umpire Yun Shin Dong decision to first award a penalty stroke to India and then reverse the decision after consulting the third umpire raised a few eyebrows.
The decision which came with three minutes left for the final hooter did not go well with the Indian team which walked away, but returned after spending two minutes on the bench to play the remaining minutes of the match.
Pakistan stood their ground to repulse the Indian attacks in the last two minutes, after the interruption to win the title much to the delight of the large number of Pakistan fans.
The Peninsula
