India defeats Pakistan 3-2, wins Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Final

After an exciting semi final clash with the South Koreans, Indian hockey team continued its victory march with pride and honour. This time team India had the face their arch rival Pakistan to win the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2016. 5 years after India won their maiden title in 2011 beating Pakistan, India reclaimed the prestigious trophy by defeating Pakistan yet again. This time India defeated Pakistan 3-2 in Kuantan, Malaysia to win the 2016 Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday.

Pakistan on the other hand, had defeated Malaysia in the semi-final to book a spot in the final. Pakistan are the defending champions of the Asian Champions Trophy while India are the current number one ranked team in Asia. This is the third time India are in the final of this tournament. 

Apart from few lapses in the defense, the Indians bossed over their arch-rivals, playing an attacking game, splitting Pakistan's defense on several occasions. India opened their account through Rupinder Pal Singh in the 18th minute who converted a penalty corner to hand them the lead.
Five minutes later, Yousuf Affan capped off a wonderful play that involved Sardar Singh to double the lead. However, Pakistan cut down the lead to 2-1 by the close of the third quarter. Through Ali Shaan, Pakistan equalised in the 38th minute but Nikkin struck in a fabulous goal in the final quarter to score the winner.