Belgium clinch maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, India finish with hard-fought silver

Belgium lifted their first ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title with a tight 1-0 win over India in the summit clash on Sunday at the Azlan Shah Stadium. The Olympic champions, currently world number three, broke through in the 54th minute when Stockbroekx converted a well-worked move after a tense, goalless first half.

India, fielding a largely young and experimental squad, entered the final unbeaten and with strong momentum after topping the pool. Throughout the tournament, they impressed with quick counterattacks, disciplined defending and sharp goalkeeper performances. Mohit and Pawan stood tall in front of the posts, pulling off crucial saves that kept India in contention until the final whistle.

Belgium, however, showed why they are among the world’s elite. Their structured play, tight pressing and calm execution under pressure helped them hold off India’s late surge and secure a historic maiden title.

For India, the silver medal remains a significant takeaway. Several newcomers delivered confident performances, while senior players guided the group through high-pressure moments. Hockey India described the team’s outing as a strong sign of depth building within the national setup, calling the campaign “a valuable step forward” for the next generation of players.

The result also adds to India’s consistent record at the tournament, reinforcing their position as a competitive force even with a developing squad.