India beat Malaysia 3-1 to lift Azlan Shah Cup

The Indian hockey team on Sunday defeated host Malaysia by 3-1 to lift the 18th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia. India won it for the fourth time, which came after a gap of 13 years.

Arjun Halappa was the first to give an edge in the 8th minute of the game but was later equalised by Malaysian Azlon Mizron. The second goal came in the 20th minute by Prabhjot Singh and thereafter in the 41st minute by Shivender Singh scored the third one.

India first won the cup back in 1985, and then in 1991 and 1995. This apart, in 2006 and 2008, Indian team was able to figure it to the final. India had lost 1-2 to Argentina in last year's final.

On Saturday semi-final, India beat arch-rival Pakistan with 2-1 score, ensuring a contest with Malaysia in their sixth final in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.

On the other hand, the Malaysians ensure their spot in the final by drawing 1-1 with New Zealand. This was Malaysia's third final in the prestigious competition.

The two teams had last played with each other in the final 1985. This year, India had already crushed Malaysia 3-0 in the league matches.

Moreover, it was skipper Sandeep Singh's two goals against Pakistan, which helped India its victory over Pakistan hockey team. However, India needed a draw only to reach finals.

Earlier a match between New Zealand and Pakistan placed both the teams in third and fourth place respectively as the Kiwis thrashed Pakistan 2-1.