India Fall Short in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Final but Leave Ipoh with Renewed Belief

India’s return to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup final after six years ended in heartbreak but also in quiet optimism.

In the final in Ipoh, Craig Fulton’s young and largely second-string squad fought Belgium one of world hockey’s most polished and disciplined outfits till the very last second before going down 0–1. With that, India finished runners-up for the second straight appearance, repeating their 2019 result, while Belgium lifted their maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title after an unbeaten run.

The final began with both teams stepping in cautiously but with clear intent. Belgium held early possession, rotating the ball confidently from the back and trying to stretch India’s defensive line. The opening exchanges saw turnovers in midfield from both sides, but neither created a decisive moment until the 10th minute, when Sukhjeet’s smart movement inside the circle earned India their first penalty corner. Jugraj Singh, India’s joint-highest scorer in the tournament, stepped up but sent the drag flick wide, leaving Belgium goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch untested.

Belgium responded with attacking pressure of their own. In the 15th minute, they earned their first penalty corner, but Alexander Hendrickx, a veteran of the drag flick, was also off target. India’s defence remained compact, intercepting quick free hits and countering Belgian incursions through the flanks. The first quarter ended goalless, with both sides showing enough promise to set up an intriguing contest.

Belgium began the second quarter looking more settled, moving the ball with purpose and accelerating play in the midfield. India slowed the pace strategically to manage Belgium’s rhythm, but the European side continued to threaten through baseline penetrations. A sharp Belgian move from the left in the 22nd minute forced a defensive scramble, but India averted danger with timely interceptions.

Midway through the quarter, Fulton switched goalkeepers, bringing in Pawan a move that would define India’s resistance. Pawan was called into action almost immediately, pulling off a superb save to deny Belgium from close range. His footwork and anticipation steadied India as the half progressed.

The Indians also had their most promising moment of the half through a penalty corner, but the Belgian defence held firm during the ensuing chaos inside the circle. Belgium nearly punished India on the counter, but a hurried final shot went wide. The teams walked into halftime at 0–0, with India still very much in the contest despite Belgium’s superior circle entries.

The deadlock broke early in the third quarter. In the 34th minute, Belgium stitched together a neat move down the right, penetrated along the baseline, and found Thibeau Stockbroexx, who finished calmly to give Belgium a 1–0 lead. It was an early blow for India, who needed time to regain composure. When the opportunities did come, India were unable to capitalise. Abhishek won another penalty corner, but the injection was mis-trapped and wasted. Belgium, meanwhile, continued to push forward and test India’s nerves.

As the game entered the final quarter, the intensity grew. Belgium thought they had scored again in the 49th minute when Tom Boon deflected in a sharp baseline cross. However, the umpire ruled it dangerous play, citing the proximity of the stick to Jugraj’s head. Belgium reviewed immediately, but the decision stood, keeping India alive.

From there, the story of the match centred around Pawan. The young goalkeeper delivered a string of outstanding saves—back-to-back penalty corner stops, full-length dives, and reflex blocks that kept India within touching distance. With just under three minutes left, Fulton made a bold call: he substituted Pawan and brought on an additional outfield player. India switched to an all-out press, looking for the one goal that would trigger a shootout.

The final minutes were desperate and electric. An aerial ball opened a late opportunity for India, sending them charging into the Belgian circle. But the defenders held their structure, cleared the danger, and the hooter sounded to confirm Belgium’s triumph and India’s narrow defeat.

Despite the loss, India leave Ipoh with plenty to take forward. Fulton brought a youthful squad to this tournament with the explicit aim of building depth ahead of the 2026 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup, and the team showed character, adaptability, and resilience throughout. India lost only twice in the tournament both to Belgium and pushed the world No. 3 team deep into the final moments of a championship match.

For a team in transition, this silver medal is far more than a consolation. It is evidence of progress, proof of emerging talent, and a reminder that India’s ambition in global hockey remains unwavering.