Belgium returned after 17 years and successfully lifted the 31st edition of the coveted Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, courtesy of a Thibeau Stockbroekx goal, in the final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium in Ipoh tonight.
An action-packed night saw the Belgians and Indians dish out a high-intensity performance watched by more 3,000 spectators.
The final was graced by the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, and Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim.
India, the 2025 Asia Cup champions and five-time SAS Cup winners, returned to the venue after a six-year hiatus, while the Belgians, who finished second to the Netherlands in the FIH Men’s 2024-2025 Pro League, were back after 17 years.
A final between World No 3 Belgium, and World No 7 India, was the most anticipated clash fans were keen to watch, although some of the fans had left the stadium after Malaysia’s 6-1 thumping by New Zealand in the third-fourth place match earlier.
World Player of the Year, Tom Boon, marshalled Belgium’s challenge while Jugraj Singh and his band of crusaders orchestrated India’s mission to win back the coveted trophy that they last won in 2010.
The first half saw both teams missing close chances as the match went into a scoreless draw at the interval. India had earned the first penalty corner in the 10th minute but Jugraj Singh snapped a shot wide.
But the action hyped in the third quarter. Thibeau Stockbroekx smashed a powerful shot past goalkeeper Shashikumar Mohit in the 34th minute to give Belgian a 1-0 lead going into the fourth and final quarter.
There were more nervous moments for India in the 48th minute when Boon scored the second goal. But fortunately, it was disallowed by the VR umpire.
BELGIUM: Shane McLeod (Coach)
We are very happy and excited with this victory. It was a tough game and India has always been a very strong team. It is always wonderful to have European teams like Belgium, and other teams such as New Zealand and Australia, including Asian team compete in this beautiful tournament.
This victory comes at a moment when we are preparing for the new FIH Pro League which is just 10 days away. We are back here after 17 years. Imagine, when we arrived here in 2008, we finished sixth, and today we are champions. That is an amazing achievement.
INDIA: Craig Fulton (Coach)
It was a very tough match and was entertaining for the fans. We just could not get the one goal that we needed to take the match to the next level. Credit to Belgium for their victory. They played hard. Nevertheless, I am sure the youngsters in the team had a lot to learn from this experience. This tournament provides the best of opportunities for teams, and will move on in our training for the World Cup and Asian Games. That has always been our target.
ROLL OF HONOUR:
Champion: Belgium
Runners-Up: India
Third: New Zealand
Fourth: Malaysia
Fifth: Canada
Sixth: South Korea
Player of the Tournament: Tom Boon (Belgium)
Top goal scorer: Sam Lane (9 Goals, New Zealand)
Best Goalkeeper: Vincent Vanasch (Belgium)
Fair Play: South Korea
