HRH Raja Permaisuri Perak presenting the Best Player Award after the Tuanku Zara Cup final match.

IPOH, 12 November 2023 – HRH Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the inaugural Sultan Nazrin Shah Cup International Indoor Hockey Tournament final between the Namibian and South African teams at Stadium Indera Mulia here last night.

Her Royal Highness’ arrival was welcomed by State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Khairuddin Abu Hanipah, representing Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad.

Also present were Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Jen. Dato' Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd. Zahidi Zainuddin (Rtd) and wife Datin Seri DiRaja Puan Sri Hajah Rasiah Md. Nor, State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and wife Datin Che Fauziah Ahmad, Perak Hockey Association President Dato' Mohd Saiyuti Abd Samat and Malaysian Hockey Confederation Vice President Rogayah Mohamed.

In the final, Namibian player Brynn Cleak was the team's hero as his goal sealed victory over South Africa through a 3-2 penalty shootout, after being tied 2-2 at 40 minutes of regulation time.

Despite unseeded, the Namibian team started strongly by opening the score in the 10th minute through a field goal by Fagan Hansen. Seven minutes later, Namibia’s Brynn Cleak managed to hit the net with a field goal to give his team a two-goal advantage.  

Stunned by two goals down, South Africa continued to step up their attack and managed to close the gap when their team's third penalty corner in the 26th minute was converted by Keegan Hezlett. South Africa continued to apply pressure and in the 32nd minute of the fourth quarter Jethro Eustice managed to score an equaliser. 

The match was then decided by a penalty shootout, with Namibia emerging as champions after Keegan Hezlett missed his shot. 

Meanwhile, in the third and fourth place match, the New Zealand team beat Australia 6-4. 

Earlier, Her Royal Highness watched the final of the Tuanku Zara Cup International Indoor Hockey Tournament 2nd Edition, where the South African women's team emerged champions by defeating Switzerland 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. 

HRH Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Zara Salim also consented to present the prizes to all the winners. 

The Sultan Nazrin Shah Cup International Indoor Hockey Tournament and the Tuanku Zara Cup were held for six days starting on 6 November, and participated by teams from South Africa, Australia, Namibia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Malaysia.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.