Japan creates history as champions of the 30th PSAS.

IPOH, 11 May 2024 – HRH Raja Permaisuri of Perak Tuanku Zara Salim graced the final of the 30th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (PSAS) Hockey Tournament between Pakistan and Japan at the Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium here.

In the final, Japan created history by winning the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup for the first time, defeating Pakistan 4-1 in a penalty shootout after both teams drew 2-2 in regulation time.

In the match, the Samurai team opened the score in the 12th minute via a field goal by Seren Tanaka.

Shocked by the goal, Pakistan rallied back with Ahmad Ajaz and Abdul Rahman scoring in the 34th and 37th minutes respectively. However, in the 47th minute, Japan equalised through Matsumoto Kazumasa’s goal.

The score remained 2-2 until the end, forcing both teams into a penalty shootout to decide the winner.

In the shootout, Japan started with Kosei Kawabe, Ryoma Ooka, Seren Tanaka and Kazumasa Matsumoto scoring goals, while Rana Waheed Ashra, Arshad Liaqat and Ammad Butt failed to score for Pakistan. After the match, HRH the Raja Permaisuri of Perak presented the championship trophy to the Japanese team as the tournament champions.

Earlier, Her Royal Highness witnessed the third and fourth place match between Malaysia and New Zealand. In the match, New Zealand secured third place while The Speedy Tiger finished fourth. Also present were State Education, Higher Education, Youth and State Sports Committee Chairman Khairuddin Abu Hanipah and wife Nor Analiza Hamid, representing Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Saarani Mohamad, HH Raja Kecil Sulong Perak Raja Dato' Seri Ahmad Nazim Azlan Shah Raja Ashman Shah, HH Tunku Dato' Seri Kamel Rijaludin, HH Raja Dato' Seri Azureen Sultan Azlan Shah, Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja Jen. Dato' Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd. Zahidi Zainuddin (Rtd) and wife Toh Puan Datin Seri Diraja Puan Sri Hajah Rasiah Md. Nor. Also in attendance were International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Dato' Tayyab Ikram, State Secretary Dato' Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and wife Datin Che Fauziah Ahmad, Pakistan High Commissioner in Malaysia Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, Malaysian Hockey Confederation President Dato' Sri Subahan Kamal, Perak Hockey Association President Dato' Mohd Sayuti Abdul Samad, State Financial Officer Dato' Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, Territorial Chiefs and heads of state and federal departments.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.