Asian Hockey Championship: Pakistan beat India to lift trophy

Pakistan defeated rival India in a closely fought final to clinch the title of Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Doha 5-4 on Thursday, Express News reported.

The match, in which India led at half time 2-1 were pegged back by a resurgent Pakistan who raced to a 3-2 lead after the break. India managed to equalise twice as Pakistan extended their lead to 5-4. The match though had a controversial moment when in the dying minutes, the Indian team while contesting a long corner walked off.

The Indians while attacking the Pakistani goal missed a chance, but contended that there was enough contact for a penalty corner. The Korean referee though ruled otherwise. After a heated argument, the entire Indian team walked off the turf. However, the drama soon ended as the Indians returned to the field shortly afterwards. But Pakistan held on for the remaining couple of moments to clinch the cup.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 28^th, 2012.