Greenshirts defeat Japan in the final match 3-1. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
KAKAMIGAHARA: Defeating Japan in the final match 3-1, Pakistan lifted the Asian Champions Trophy 2013 in Kakamigahara, Japan, Express News reported on Sunday.
Defending champions Pakistan had enjoyed a smooth campaign as they defeated Oman (8-0), China (5-1) and Malaysia (1-0) before facing a challenging task against India. However, their archrivals were pipped 5-4 as the greenshirts successfully booked their berth in the final.
Pakistan were the highest-ranked team in the competition as world number eight, while India (11th) and Malaysia (13th) were also touted as the teams to beat before the tournament.
Pakistan led the group stage with 15 points whereas Japan gathered 10 points to qualify for the final; they both won three out of their five matches.
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Excellent performance. Keep it up
shabaash !!!! what a surprise BTW !!!!
From World Champions to Asian Champions. What are we celebrating. A lower standard of excellence?
Congratulations to Pakistan. The Indian coach's experimentation with the younger lot is much to the discomfort for hockey fans in India, but it will be good for the Indian hockey in the long run.
Congrats, Pakistan nation deserve happy moments. May God bless Pakistan all the time in all fields.
@Jamal Syed: Grow up! Learn to accept defeat like a true sportsman! India lost fair and square . Stop ponying up excuses!!
congrats pak
BRAVO team Pakistan, you made it, keep it up your teamwork and spirit for the World Cup coming up next month,
Thank God. Bundles of congrats to TEAM GREEN and its fans. To defeat the host team in final is really an achievement. May you continue the wining streak.
This is the way to go. Winning in any sports is as shows that the nation is back on track...still a long way to go.
Back to the Winning ways. Just make it a habit that won't die.
@Jamal Syed: nobody asked them to send their junior team. We'll done Pakistan!!!
Congrats Pakistan's Hockey Grus !!!!!!
Congrats to the Pakistani hockey team.
Alhamdolillah
Aaaah Thank God ...:0
Way to go boys. You guys made us proud
Good job. Of late, the team has been playing really well in some tournaments and rather poorly in others. Hope they can be more consistent
Great work green shirts. Keep it up. We are proud of you
Congratuaions ! But the fact that South Korea's non participation and India sending their junior team ( in preparation for the next month world cup) helped Pakistan.
Well done team Pakistan. Many congs to all our real national sports hero!
WOnderful game , Hockey is the toughest game among all the sports. I love Pakistan has hockey as its national game. I am very happy on this winning!
Good news for hockey in Pakistan.
well done and keep it up guys
Nice
Great Job Green Shirts. Thank You.
Good news from pak hockey after a long time. Well done.
MashALLAH