Belgium edge India 1-0 to lift maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in thrilling final

Belgium clinched their first-ever Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title after outlasting India 1-0 in a gripping, tactical final in Ipoh on Sunday. Thibeau Stockbroekx scored the decisive goal in the 34th minute, handing the European giants their maiden crown in just their second appearance in the prestigious tournament.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!India, fresh off a commanding 14-3 demolition of Canada in their previous outing, entered the final with confidence — but Belgium’s discipline, structure and defensive steel proved too difficult to breach. India’s three penalty corners, usually a strength for drag-flickers Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas and Sanjay, went unused against a compact Belgian defensive wall.This was India’s second loss to Belgium in the tournament, after a narrow 2-3 defeat in the league stage.The final began with Belgium asserting early control through superior ball possession and sharp attacks down the flanks, forcing Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera into a couple of strong saves. With senior players Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested for the tournament, India’s younger midfield worked hard to maintain parity in intense central battles.

Although Belgium earned two early penalty corners, India defended well to keep the scoreline level. The match remained goalless at half-time, but the momentum swung decisively Belgium’s way in the third quarter. Stockbroekx’s strike — off a well-constructed move — pushed India on the back foot and increased the pressure.India responded by pressing higher and increasing circle entries, but Belgium’s organised defence held firm. The final quarter saw the Indians push desperately for an equaliser, but the Belgian structure absorbed wave after wave of attack, smartly running down the clock to seal the championship.For India, the silver medal marks a promising tournament featuring some bright performances from the next generation.