India Beat Pakistan 3-2 To Lift Asian Champions Trophy

KUANTAN (Pahang, Malaysia), Oct 31 (Bernama) -- India Sunday night emerged winners of the 2016 Asian Champions Trophy after defeating defending champions, Pakistan 3-2 in the final at Kuantan Hockey Stadium, here. The win saw India repeated their feats in the same tournament in 2011. The match began with both sides furiously exchanging attacks but it was Indian captain Rupinder Pal Singh who opened the score in the 18th minute through a penalty stroke. Five minutes later, India once again cracked open the Pakistani goal via Yousof Affan with a field goal to put India 2-0. Pakistan however bounced back through Muhammad Aleem Bilal who blasted in a penalty corner in the 26th minute. In the second half, Pakistan equalised with a field goal by Ali Shan in the 48th minute to put the score at 2-2. Unfazed, India supported by the cheers of more than 200 fans, went on a frenzy to launch waves of attacks at the Pakistani goal. The determination paid off when India netted their third goal in the 51st minutes by Chandanda Thimmaiah and the final score was 3-2 in favour of India. The prizes were presented by Pahang state Chief Minister Adnan Yaakob. -- BERNAMA