Azlan Shah Cup
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Pakistan Hockey team’s “remarkable performance” in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024, despite their defeat to Japan in the final.
Japan clinched the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024 title with a tense 4-1 victory over Pakistan in the penalty shoot-out.
The final match saw both teams, undefeated throughout the tournament, engaging in an intense battle, ending with a 2-2 draw at full time.
In the penalty shoot-out, Japan displayed dominance by converting all four penalties, while Pakistan managed to score only one.
Despite the loss, Pakistan’s journey to the final marked a significant achievement, being their first appearance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final in 13 years.
President Zardari commended the “brilliant performance” of the Pakistan National Hockey Team, highlighting their exceptional skills and the positive sign of improvement displayed by securing a spot in the final.
He emphasized the importance of promoting hockey as the national sport and expressed confidence in the team’s ability to continue delivering outstanding performances in the future.
Similarly, PM Shehbaz Sharif praised the team’s “outstanding performance,” acknowledging that victories and defeats are part of the game.
He expressed pride in the team for winning the hearts of the nation and reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting sports, particularly hockey, across the country.
Sharif also recognized the resurgence of interest in hockey nationwide as a promising development for the sport’s future.
Both leaders’ recognition of the team’s efforts reflects the broader sentiment of appreciation and support for Pakistan’s hockey endeavors, encouraging further growth and success in the sport on the national and international stages.
