Pakistan reach final of Azlan Shah cup after 13 years

Pakistan's hockey team has reached the final of the Azlan Shah hockey tournament after beating Canada by 5-4 in a thriller. 

The showdown, hosted in Ipoh, Malaysia on Wednesday, witnessed Pakistan's unwavering drive for victory despite an early setback.

Abu Bakr Mahmood emerged as the standout figure for Pakistan, scoring two pivotal goals that ignited their impressive turnaround. Arshad Liaqat, Rana Waheed Ashraf, and Ghazanfar Ali also contributed to the scoreboard, each netting a goal to propel Pakistan towards their hard-fought triumph.

While Canada exhibited commendable skill with goals from Sean Davis, Harbir Sindhu, and Avjot Buttar, it was Pakistan's resolute determination that ultimately sealed the deal.

With this triumph, Pakistan retains their top spot in the standings with an impressive tally of 10 points from four matches, underscoring their dominance in the competition. The Pakistani team's journey in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has been characterized by stellar performances, including a recent draw against Japan and convincing victories over Korea and Malaysia.

Looking ahead, Pakistan gears up for their upcoming encounter against New Zealand on May 10, promising another enthralling battle on the hockey field.

As the competition heats up, Pakistan remain steadfast in their pursuit of glory in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2024, fueled by their indomitable spirit and drive to emerge victorious.