India finished runner-up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia

¨     India finished runner-up in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia.

¨     The Indian men’s hockey team was declared runner-up at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a 0–1 loss to Belgium in the final in Ipoh, Malaysia.

¨     Belgium secured their maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title, with Thibeau Stockbroekx scoring the only goal of the match.

¨     A second-string Indian team was fielded, as skipper Harmanpreet Singh and several senior players were not part of the squad.

¨     This performance was recorded as India’s second consecutive runners-up finish, with their last appearance in 2019 also ending in a final defeat.

¨     As five-time champions, India remain the second-most successful team in the tournament, behind Australia, who have won ten titles.

¨     India’s wait for a title at this tournament continues, with their last championship win dating back to the 2010 edition.

¨     The team participated in the competition after a six-year gap, returning to the event ranked world No. 7.

¨     New Zealand finished third after defeating Malaysia 6–1 in the bronze-medal match.