Ipoh, Malaysia - In a tightly contested final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025, Belgium edged past India with a narrow 1-0 victory, claiming their first-ever title in the prestigious tournament. The match, held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, saw Belgium become the first European team to win the cup.
The lone goal of the match came in the 34th minute, courtesy of Thibeau Stockbroekx, which proved to be the decisive moment in a game characterized by strong defensive performances and intense midfield battles. Despite India's efforts to equalize, Belgium maintained their lead, denying India their sixth Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title.
Belgium's victory marked a significant milestone in their hockey history, having finished sixth in their only previous appearance in 2008. Throughout the tournament, Belgium showcased their prowess, remaining undefeated and demonstrating why they are ranked third in the world. India, returning to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a six-year absence, had to settle for a second successive runners-up finish, mirroring their 2019 result.
The first half of the final was goalless, but both teams displayed tactical maturity and created opportunities. Belgium started strongly, putting the Indian defense under pressure. However, the Indian goalkeepers, Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli and Pawan, made crucial saves to keep the score level.
After the break, Belgium's Stockbroekx broke the deadlock with a well-executed field goal. India responded immediately, but failed to convert a penalty corner. Belgium nearly extended their lead, but Tom Boon's goal was disallowed due to dangerous play.
In the final quarter, India desperately sought an equalizer, even removing their goalkeeper in the last minutes to field an extra attacker. However, Belgium's defense held firm, and they continued to create dangerous chances on the counter-attack. Indian goalkeeper Pawan made several brilliant saves to keep his team in the game. Ultimately, Belgium's early goal proved sufficient to secure the win.
India's journey to the final saw them finish second in the group stage, with victories over Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand and Canada. However, they had previously lost to Belgium 3-2 in the round-robin stage. In the final, India struggled to penetrate the Belgian circle, managing only three entries and failing to convert any of their three penalty corners.
The Indian team had rested several key players, including Harmanpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh, to provide opportunities for younger players. Belgium had also rested some of their players.
In the 3rd/4th classification match, New Zealand defeated Malaysia 6-1 to secure third place. Canada finished fifth after defeating South Korea 4-3.
The Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah, and Raja Permaisuri Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim, attended the final and presented the trophy to the Belgian team, led by Arthur Van Doren.
