Pakistan men and Japan women have been crowned as the winners of the Asian Champions Trophy following victories over Japan and India respectively.
Pakistan retained the men’s title by defeating host nation Japan 3-1, although they were forced to fight all the way by the home favourites. Japan made a fine start to the game by scoring early, although second half goals from Haseem Khan, Muhammad Rizwan Senior and Hammad Butt sealed the victory.
The Bronze medal went to Malaysia, who defeated China 3-1. Faizal Saari grabbed a brace in the contest, with Azammi Abadi also on the score-sheet.
Japan women defeated India thanks to a solitary goal from Otsuka Shiho, who found the net with a penalty corner in just the second minute of the match. Japan would surely have won by a greater margin were it not for some incredible saves from goalkeeper Savita, who kept her side very much in the match until the very end.
Malaysia women matched their male counterparts by taking Bronze in the four-nations tournament, claiming a surprise victory over China. The Malaysians produced a flawless performance to take the win, with Rabiatul Adawiyah (2) and Noor Hasliza overturning Zhao Xia’s early strike.
More information about the Asian Champions Trophy 2013 event in Kakamigahara can be found on the Asian Hockey Federation Facebook page by clicking here.
Asian Champions Trophy 2013 – The Medallists …
Men
Gold: Pakistan
Silver: Japan
Bronze: Malaysia
Women
Gold: Japan
Silver: India
Bronze: Malaysia
