Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the Indian men's hockey team for winning Hockey5s Asia Cup and said the grit and determination of the players continue to inspire the nation. India emerged champions in the Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup in Oman's Salalah on Saturday, beating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-0 in a shootout after both teams were locked at 4-4 in regulation time.
In a post on X, Modi said, "Champions at the Hockey5s Asia Cup! Congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey Team on a phenomenal victory." "It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players and with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year," he said. The grit and determination of our players continue to inspire our nation, Modi said.
India emerged champions in the Men's Hockey5s Asia Cup, beating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-0 in a shootout after both teams were locked at 4-4 in regulation time. With the win, India has booked their place in the FIH Men's Hockey5s World Cup 2024.Champions at the Hockey5s Asia Cup! !
Congratulations to the Indian Men's Hockey Team on a phenomenal victory. It is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our players and with this win, we have also secured our spot at the Hockey5s World Cup in Oman next year.The grit… pic.twitter.com/ayDKqdY2UM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 3, 2023
For India, Mohammed Raheel (19th and 26th), Jugraj Singh (7th) and Maninder Singh (10th) were the goal scorers during the regulation time, whereas Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh managed to beat the goalkeeper in the shootout. Pakistan, Abdul Rehman (5th), captain Abdul Rana (13th), Zikriya Hayat (14th) and Arshad Liaqat (19th) were on target for Pakistan.
Indian keeper Suraj Karkera made some vital saves before Pakistan broke the deadlock via Rehman in the fifth minute. Jugraj Singh got the equalizer for India just a couple of minutes later. India took the lead with Maninder Singh's reverse hit from a distance.
Nevertheless, Pakistan struck back quickly and restored their lead through skipper Abdul Rana (13th) and Zikriya Hayat (14th). The Men in Blue began to play a possession-based game and pressed deeper, only for Pakistan to double its lead via Arshad Liaqat in the 19th minute.
While Mohammed Raheel immediately pulled one back for India at the same time, the Indians upped their ante and began attacking from all corners. In the 26th minute, Mohammed Raheel received a long pass and dribbled past Pakistan's under-pressure defense, striking the ball home to draw level again.
Both teams failed to score a winner, and as things went to the shootout, Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored for India. For Pakistan, Arshad Liaqat and Muhammad Murtaza missed their attempts, allowing the Men in Blue to lift the title. Following the conquest, Hockey India announced a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh to the players and Rs 1 lakh each for the support staff.
(With PTI inputs)
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
PM Modi, Rahul Gandhi election rallies in Delhi today: Here are the routes to avoid
May 18, 2024 11:28 AM
Celebrity Kangana vs 'royal' Vikramaditya on Himachal's Mandi seat: Clash of richest titans
May 18, 2024 11:11 AM
2024 Lok Sabha Elections | Will Amethi and Rae Bareli see the rise of Priyanka Gandhi as a dominant political figure
May 18, 2024 8:59 AM
Lok Sabha Election 2024: I.N.D.I.A. bloc to hold rally at Mumbai's BKC today
May 17, 2024 5:18 PM