Pakistan will play Japan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 final in Ipoh, Malaysia, today. Pakistan and Japan have both gone undefeated, with Japan taking the top spot on the points table with 13 points after winning four and drawing one. Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final pits Pakistan against Japan.
Azlan Shah Hockey Cup final pits Pakistan against Japan
The national team is second with 11 points after three wins and two draws, including Friday’s match against New Zealand. Both teams will compete for the title in the 5:30 pm match. Geo Super will livestream it.
tForward Abdul Hannan Shahid said Japan’s defensive line is strong, highlighting Pakistan’s final opponents. Japan has only conceded four goals in as many matches, the fewest in the tournament.
“Japan is very defensive and doesn’t give opponents many openings,” he said.
“As far as the attack is concerned, they might not be as creative as some of the other teams but they are quite effective in taking advantage of their opponents’ mistakes on the field.”
“Pakistan has scored many goals, but we also concede. However, we will try to fix our defense in the remaining matches “He added.
The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup should boost the national team’s morale, especially since they play in the FIH Nations Cup in Gniezno, Poland, from May 31 to June 9.
The Nations Cup is important because the winner will play in the 2024-25 FIH Hockey Pro League.
On Friday, Prime Minister Youth Programme Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said PM Shehbaz Sharif will reward tournament winners.
“The promotion of sports in Pakistan is among the prime minister’s priorities,” he said.
Today at 1:00 pm, Canada will play Korea in the 5th/6th place match. Malaysia will play New Zealand for 3rd/4th at 3:15 pm.