India Falls Short in Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Final as Belgium Claims First-Ever Title

Belgium Edges India 1-0 to Win Maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

In a closely-fought final, Belgium defeated India 1-0 to claim their first-ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Malaysia. Thibeau Stockbroekx’s 34th-minute strike proved decisive, leaving India with silver. This marked Belgium’s maiden triumph and only their second appearance in the prestigious invitational tournament.

India, fresh off a 14-3 win over Canada, struggled to convert their chances. Despite earning three penalty corners through Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas, and Sanjay, the Indian forwards couldn’t break the Belgian defence. Notably, India’s only other loss in the tournament was also to Belgium, a 3-2 defeat in the league stage.

The first half ended 0-0, with Belgium dominating possession and testing India’s defence. India’s younger players held firm but couldn’t find a breakthrough. Stockbroekx’s goal in the third quarter shifted momentum, and despite India’s late attacks, Belgium’s disciplined defence held firm to seal the win.

With senior stars like Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested, the responsibility fell on India’s emerging players, who nonetheless kept the contest competitive against a world-class side.