Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025: India march into final after massive victory over Canada
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
India will play the final against Belgium on Sunday.
In a high-scoring encounter, Indian Senior Men’s Hockey Team outclassed Canada 14-3 to top the pool standings and make the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 in Ipoh on Saturday.
Having lost only to Belgium by a goal earlier in the tournament, India were upbeat after a sensational 3-2 win against New Zealand in their previous game.
The match began with an early goal by Nilakanta Sharma in the fourth minute, followed by a 10th minute goal by Rajinder Singh who has been in good nick, since his debut in the senior side.
It was a thrilling start to the game with Canada responding to the early goals by creating PCs and even converting from them. In the 11th minute, almost soon after Rajinder’s goal, Brendan Guraliuk converted a fine PC.
Also Read: Canada vs India Highlights, Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025
Two more goals were scored in the following minutes through Jugraj Singh and Amit Rohidas in the 12th and 15th minute respectively.
This 4-1 lead put India in good stead to build on their performance in the second quarter. With senior stars in the team rested for this tournament, the onus to outshine was on a younger lot and they did well to hold off pressure from Canadian defence.
A flurry of goals continued in this quarter with Rajinder scoring in the 24th minute, Dilpreet Singh in the 25th minute and Jugraj scoring his second goal in the 26th minute.
Ahead by 7-1, India were unstoppable but Canada came into the third quarter with slight modifications in their attack that led to a penalty stroke in the 35th minute.
Matthew Sarmento made no mistake in pumping this one into the post to take the score line to 7-2, still favouring India.
Meanwhile, Jugraj scored his hat-trick in this quarter when he struck in the 39th minute, and Selvam Karthi scored in the 43rd minute to extend India’s lead to a massive 9-2.
Who will India face in the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
India will play the final against Belgium on Sunday.
How did India qualify for Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 final?
India topped the pool standings after a dominant win over Canada and consistent performances throughout the tournament.
Where is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 being held?
The tournament is taking place in Ipoh, Malaysia.
How has India performed so far in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025?
India has had a strong campaign, losing only once by a single goal to Belgium and delivering impressive wins, including over New Zealand and Canada.
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Alex graduated in mass communication in 2016 and has been covering global sports for Khel Now since then. He is covering sports tech, igaming, sports betting and casino domain from 2017.