In a spectacular display of offensive power, the Indian men's hockey team bulldozed its way into the final of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025. The convincing victory over Canada in their last round-robin match on Saturday in Ipoh, Malaysia, guarantees India a top-two finish in the tournament.
Goal-Scoring Onslaught Led by Jugraj Singh
The Indian team left no room for doubt, delivering a stunning 14-3 performance against a beleaguered Canadian side. Jugraj Singh emerged as the undisputed star of the match, netting four goals for India. His impressive haul included three successful penalty corner conversions and a well-executed penalty stroke, showcasing his critical role in the team's set-piece strategies.
However, the victory was a true team effort. The scoreboard reflected contributions from across the squad, highlighting the depth of India's attacking talent. Abhishek, Amit Rohidas, and Rajinder Singh each scored two goals apiece. Further adding to the tally were Selvam Karthi, Nilakanta Sharma, Sanjay, and Dilpreet Singh, who all found the back of the net once, completing a truly dominant performance.
Road to the Final and Awaiting Opponent
This decisive win, orchestrated under the guidance of chief coach Craig Fulton, solidifies India's position at the top of the points table. The team's place in the championship match is now secure, irrespective of the outcomes from other fixtures.
All eyes are now on the other crucial round-robin match to determine India's opponent in the final. Belgium, the only team to have defeated India in the round-robin stage, is the expected challenger. With 10 points, Belgium is scheduled to face New Zealand, who has seven points. While New Zealand retains a mathematical chance to progress, they would need to secure a victory by a margin of at least six goals against the strong Belgian side, a formidable task.
Setting the Stage for a Grand Finale
The Indian team has sent a powerful message to its rivals with this commanding win. The combination of a lethal penalty corner attack, led by Jugraj Singh, and goals from open play from multiple forwards makes them a formidable force. The stage is now set for a thrilling final where India will look to avenge its sole round-robin loss and clinch the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title.
