Pakistan was defeated by Japan in the final of the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup on Saturday. The game was decided on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

The Green Shirts had reached the final afer 12 years with an unbeaten streak in the tournament.

The final match was played in Ipoh City Malaysia.

After Japan opened the scoring, Pakistan came from behind with two goasl to take the lead.

However, Japan managed to score an equaliser in the fourth quarter.

Pakistan ran into trouble in the penalty shootout from the ver beginning, with the first two attempts failing to score.

The final of the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup will see Pakistan competing against Japan. According to the Pakistani schedule, the match is set to begin at 5:30pm local time.

Senior player Ammad Shakeel led the 18-member squad with Abu Bakr as the vice-captain. Japan lead the points table with 13 points while Pakistan rank second with 11 points.

In the preceding pool matches, Pakistan emerged victorious against Malaysia, Korea, and Canada. The last time Pakistan reached the final of the Azlan Shah Hockey Cup was in 2011 when they faced Australia and suffered a 3-2 defeat.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has reiterated the government’s commitment to hockey while also mentioning a campaign across all forms of media to highlight the team’s achievements in the Azlan Shah Cup.

The prime minister would focus on removing obstacles in the development of hockey in Pakistan, he said and added that the final would be broadcast nationwide on Saturday (tomorrow) and wished the team luck.

“The entire nation is praying for the victory of Pakistan and is looking forward to welcome a champion team.”