The 29-year-old wait is over – Malaysia finally won the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2022.
They defeated defending champions Korea by a 3-2 margin.
Despite scoring the first goal, Korea came storming back to equalise in the second quarter.
However, against the flow of the game, Malaysia was awarded a penalty stroke and duly converted to make 2-1.
They kept up the pressure and earned another penalty corner in the third quarter and successfully converted.
With 3-1 up, the confident Malaysians pressed forward, Korea hit back to narrow the scoreline to 3-2.
With the final whistle was blown, the 29th edition of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2022 ended on a high note since it was being held after the pandemic lockdown.
This time around the participating countries were Pakistan, Korea, South Africa, Japan, Egypt and hosts Malaysia.
The carnival atmosphere at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium started as early as 6.30pm with drums and trumpets blaring. The stadium was already packed to the brim by 7pm.
Considering the short space of time the new organising committee led by new president Mohd Sayuti Ahmad Samat and his secretary Amarjit Singh Jessy and their team, they managed to meet the expectation of the audience and supporters.
Despite some hiccups, the tournament managed to draw not only local supporters but also from South Africa, Hong Kong and also Pakistan.
Surely this helped the local economy and its stakeholders. Players and officials were seen taking grab or other e-hailing transport for a trip to the nearby malls to buy their groceries or souvenirs.
Some of the foreign players even bought their batik shirts for the official dinner at Casuarina@Meru in the attendance of HRH Sultan Of Perak and Raja Eleena.
Guests were treated to some local and international menu while being entertained by a song and dance group from the state arts & culture department.
Also present was International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Tayyab Ikram and Dato Sri Subahan Kamal who is the president of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC).
Meanwhile, with most of the officials and players staying at the Impiana Hotel Ipoh, others stayed at the M Roof Hotel near the Sultan Azlan Shah astroturf stadium. Some of the South African tourists stayed at the WEIL Hotel too.
It boosted the occupancy levels of both hotels and much needed income for them.
Final standing, Champions – Malaysia, Runner-up – Korea, 3rd placing – Pakistan 4th placing – Japan, 5th placing – Egypt and 6th placing – South Africa.