In Hockey, India beat Pakistan in penalty shootout in the final to win the inaugural Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman. The win also served as Asia’s qualifying tournament for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024. Subsequently, India qualified for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.
This is the first time in three meetings that India have beaten Pakistan in the Hockey 5s format. From 2-4 down in the second half, India took the game to the shootout after two goals from Mohammed Raheel. In the shootout, Pakistan missed all their chances while Maninder Singh hit the hammer in the coffin to score India’s second goal in the shootout. Earlier in the evening, India thrashed Malaysia 10-4 in the semifinals.
Pakistan’s Road to the Final
Pakistan reached the final after defeating Oman 7-3. For their remarkable performance and the important win, Hockey India announced Rupees Two Lakh to each player of the team, while Rupees One Lakh each for the support staff. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey congratulated the team on qualifying for the FIH Men’s Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024 and winning the Gold medal.
Minister’s Praise: Anurag Singh Thakur Commends the Team
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Anurag Singh Thakur has congratulated Indian Men’s Hockey Team for winning the inaugural Men’s Hockey 5s Asia Cup 2023 in Salalah, Oman yesterday. In a social media post, Mr Thakur said that the victory speaks volumes about the grit and passion of the talented players. He lauded them for their exceptional performance and making their way to the Hockey5s World Cup to be held in Oman.