The 2024 Asian Champions Trophy ended on Tuesday with India clinching their record-extending fifth title, beating China 1-0 in the final held in Hulunbuir. India’s new-look team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and secured the trophy. China, making their first appearance in an Asian Champions Trophy final, put up a strong fight, but Jugraj Singh’s lone goal in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for India. Meanwhile, Pakistan secured third place by defeating Korea in the playoff.
During the final match of the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, a surprising scene was broadcast, showing Pakistani players holding a Chinese flag. The commentator made it clear that Pakistan was supporting China despite having lost to them in the semifinal. The image quickly spread across social media, generating a lot of reactions. Pakistan wrapped up their tournament journey with a 5-2 win against Korea, securing the bronze medal at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in China Daur Ethnic Park on Tuesday.
I m so sorry for these Pakistan hockey players and their coach, who were supporting China today..🥲😉
India 1-0 China.
We have won the Asian Champions Trophy for the second consecutive time ! pic.twitter.com/i6zvpA7HZ4
— John Oldman (@PrasunNagar) September 17, 2024
India 🇮🇳 Hockey Team won their 5th Asian Champions Trophy🏆 (The Most by any asian team).
Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia
But, Pakistan 🇵🇰 Hockey Team were caught supporting China 🤔#INDvCHN#AsianChampionsTrophy2024 pic.twitter.com/6TJBKikQbD
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichKettle07) September 17, 2024
Pakistan hockey team supports China in AFC Asian Champions Trophy final
China is playing against India#HockeyIndia #India#Hockey #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/PTWCSKFobq
— Thakur Divya Prakash (@Divyaprakas8) September 17, 2024
Pakistan’s Comeback Victory in Asian Champions Trophy
Pakistan’s victory over Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy came through the combined efforts of Sufyan Khan (38′, 49′), Hannan Shahid (39′, 54′), and Rooman (45′). Korea managed to score twice through Jungjun Lee (16′) and Jihun Yang (40′), but Pakistan’s resilience showed in the second half.
Korea started strong, with Jungjun Lee scoring the first goal in the 16th minute after a precise tackle that allowed him to loft the ball past Pakistan’s goalkeeper, Ishtiaq Abdullah Khan. However, after the halftime break, Pakistan returned with renewed energy. Sufyan Khan equalized with a penalty corner in the 38th minute, and just a minute later, Hannan Shahid dribbled past defenders to set up a goal for Salman Razzaq. Though his attempt was slightly off, Hannan followed through to finish the job, putting Pakistan ahead.
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Tight Contest Ends in Pakistan’s Favor
Korea managed to equalize again in the 40th minute with a penalty corner goal by Jihun Yang, but Pakistan didn’t back down. Rooman’s 45th-minute field goal gave Pakistan the lead once more. As the match progressed, Pakistan’s defense tightened, employing man-to-man marking to keep Korea from finding the net.
In the 49th minute, Pakistan earned a penalty corner, which Sufyan Khan executed perfectly, scoring his second goal of the match and increasing his tally in the tournament to four goals. Hannan Shahid sealed the win with a 54th-minute field goal, his sixth of the tournament, assisted by Rana Waheed Ashraf. With Muneeb Ur-Rehman replacing Ishtiaq in goal during the final quarter, Pakistan’s defense held firm, preventing any Korean attacks and securing a well-deserved victory.
Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India’s 18-Member Hockey Squad Revealed
