By IANS,
Kuala Lumpur : India were “worthy champions” of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, but runners-up Malaysia were also “not completely outplayed”, media reports said on the prestigious hockey tournament finals held in Ipoh.
For Malaysia, it was their third defeat in the final. They lost to India in 1985 and were beaten by Australia in 2007.
“India were worthy champions, adding to their successes in 1985, 1991 and 1995. Malaysia can also take pride in making a good fight for the title,” the Star newspaper said.
Both teams had good chances to take the lead but India made the breakthrough in the 20th minute with Ignacious Tirkey providing the pass for Gurbaj Singh, whose hit into the D was deflected into goal by Prabhjot Singh.
“We were not completely outplayed but we wasted chances and lost the match. India played well and we cannot take anything away from them. Our players will gain from the experience and we must continue with our work,” the newspaper said.
For Malaysia, it was “Bridesmaid’s role again”, New Straits Times said.
The Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh was filled to the brim with a crowd of at least 12,000 who braved the rain to watch Malaysia give their best but India were in no mood to do them any favours.