Rain Halts India's Sultan Azlan Shah Cup Campaign
The highly anticipated Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 hockey encounter between India and Belgium faced an unexpected delay, being officially postponed to Tuesday due to severe weather conditions in Ipoh, Malaysia. The match had begun as scheduled but was abruptly stopped by the umpires after just three minutes of play as heavy downpours made the pitch unplayable.
Organizers Announce New Schedule
After initially hoping to resume the game at 8:45 PM IST on Monday, tournament organizers were forced to make a further adjustment due to the persistently poor weather. An official statement clarified the new arrangements: "This is to inform you that the Indian Men's Hockey Team's match against Belgium in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 has been postponed. The match is now scheduled to resume tomorrow (25th November) at 10:00 MYT (7:30 AM IST)."
India's Strong Start to the Tournament
This weather interruption comes after India made a triumphant return to the prestigious Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, marking their first appearance in six years. The team had commenced their campaign on a powerful note this past Sunday, securing a solid 1-0 victory against Korea in their opening fixture.
The lone goal that sealed the win for India came from the stick of Mohammed Raheel in the 15th minute of the game. The Indian squad displayed remarkable composure and control, particularly in the midfield, where Abhishek and captain Sanjay delivered standout performances. Sanjay, a veteran from India's Paris Olympic bronze medal-winning team, provided crucial leadership on the field.
All eyes will now be on the rescheduled match as the Indian team looks to continue their winning momentum against a strong Belgian side.
