India wins Asia Cup hockey title

By APD Writer Rishika Chauhan

NEW DELHI, October 23 (APD) -- After a gap of ten years, India on Sunday won their third Asia Cup hockey title, beating Malaysia 2-1 in the final match in Dhaka.

Though Malaysia started slow, it was a close match, as Malaysians and Indians came neck to neck. Goals from India’s Ramandeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay helped India win the cup. Malaysia’s Shahril Saabah pulled a goal in the 50th minute.

An Indian player during the match.

Pakistan stood third in the series, as it won the bronze medal defeating South Korea 6-3 on Sunday.

The Indians remained unbeaten in the tournament, winning all their matches and drawing one at 1-1 against South Korea.

Malaysia’s performance in the tournament was also applauded. It had earlier won the bronze in the 2007 Asia Cup in Chennai.

Last time, India had won the title in 2007 in Chennai. For India' new chief coach Marijne Sjoerd, Asia Cup was his maiden tournament as in charge of the senior national side.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)