Distinguished guests posing for a group photo

IPOH, 30 November 2025 – Belgium made history by clinching its first title at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup (PSAS) Hockey Tournament 31st edition, defeating India 1–0 in the final at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Stadium last night.

The match was witnessed by HRH Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah, who later presented the championship trophy to the Belgian team led by Arthur Van Doren.

Also gracing the event was HRH Raja Permaisuri of Perak, Tuanku Zara Salim.

Also present were Perak Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Saarani Mohamad and wife Datin Seri Aezer Zubin, Orang Kaya Bendahara Seri Maharaja, Gen. (Rtd) Dato’ Seri DiRaja Tan Sri (Dr.) Mohd. Zahidi Zainuddin and wife Toh Puan Datin Seri DiRaja Puan Sri Hajah Rasiah Md. Nor, State Assembly Speaker Dato’ Seri Mohammad Zahir Abdul Khalid and wife Datin Seri Aznee Abu Samah and State Secretary Dato’ Ahmad Suaidi Abdul Rahim and wife Datin Che Fauziah Ahmad.

State Legal Adviser Dato’ Azmir Shah Zainal Abidin, State Financial Officer Dato’ Mohd Zaki Mahyudin, State Education, Higher Education, Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Dato’ Khairudin Abu Hanipah, Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Dato’ Sri Subahan Kamal and Perak Hockey Association (PHA) President Dato’ Mohd. Sayuti Abdul Samad were also in attendance.

Belgium’s victory came through a single goal by Thibeau Stockbroekx in the 34th minute, thus ensuring its unbeaten record throughout the tournament. This was Belgium’s second appearance in the PSAS, after first participating in the 2008 edition.

India, who last lifted the title in 2010, was forced to concede after failing to break Belgium’s strong defence, despite goalkeepers Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli and Pawan Malik’s excellent saves, including six penalty corners.

Earlier, in the third-place playoff, New Zealand defeated Malaysia 6–1, forcing the Speedy Tigers to finish fourth. Canada secured fifth place after beating South Korea 4–3. Malaysia’s head coach Sarjit Singh said the heavy defeat was due to two early goals that put the team in a difficult position to recover.

“After trailing by three goals, we knew it would be a very challenging match. However, the players still showed great commitment,” he said.

Apart from the championship trophy, several awards were presented, including Tournament’s Best Player (Tom Boon, Belgium), Best Goalkeeper (Vincent Vanasch, Belgium), Final’s Best Player (Thibeau Stockbroekx, Belgium), and Fair Play Trophy (Raja Ashman Shah Cup), won by South Korea. The Top Scorer award was won by Sam Lane of New Zealand with nine goals.

Source : Corporate, SUK Perak.