The Indian hockey team will return with a silver medal from the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2025 after losing 1-0 to Belgium in the final in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Sunday.

Thibeau Stockbroekx (34’) scored the only goal in the match to help world No. 3 Belgium win their maiden Sultan Azlan Shah Cup trophy. They had finished sixth in their only previous appearance in the tournament back in 2008.

For world No. 7 India, who were returning to the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup after a six-year gap, it was a second successive runners up finish, with their previous appearance in 2019 also ending with a final loss to the Republic of Korea.

As five-time champions, India are still the second-most successful team in the competition after 10-time winners Australia. However, their last title came back in 2010.

Sunday’s final saw Belgium, who had edged out India 3-2 in the group stage earlier in the tournament, dominate the early exchanges. The European side created the more dangerous chances and kept the Indian defence on their toes.

Despite their dominance, though, Belgium failed to take the lead in the first half, largely thanks to Shashikumar Mohith Honnenahalli and Pawan – the two Indian custodians.

However, the deadlock was broken soon after the restart as Thibeau Stockbroekx put the finishing touches to a beautifully crafted team goal.

Almost immediately at the other end, India failed to convert a penalty corner and could have gone two down as Arthur van Doren was sent through on goal from the counter. The Belgian captain, though, shot wide.

Belgium thought they had extended their advantage to 2-0 in the 49th minute but Tom Boon’s effort from Stockbroekx’s pass was disallowed due to dangerous play.

India threw caution to the wind in a desperate search for an equaliser but it was Belgium who continued to create the truly dangerous chances. 

However, the scoreline remained 1-0 until the final hooter with Pawan in the Indian goal pulling off multiple brilliant saves to keep India in the hunt until the very end.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand beat Malaysia 6-1 to bag the bronze medal.