Victory against a weak New Zealand side and the hockey win against arch rival Pakistan all proved that we are second to none. It was the occasion of Diwali and what better could have been asked from the Indian hockey team when they were facing Pakistan in the final of Asian Champions Trophy at the Wisma Belia Hockey Stadium, Kuala Lumpur. Indian men’s hockey team beat arch-rivals Pakistan in an exciting final by 3-2. The three goals from Indian team were scored by Rupinder Pal Singh’s first goal in 18th minute, Yousuf Affan’s second goal in 23rd minute and Nikkin Thimmiah’s third goal in 51st minute. For Pakistani side Muhammad Aleem Bilal scored the first goal in 26th minute and Ali Shaan second goal in 38th minute. We brought out our killer instinct to make moves come in our favour.
This is the second instance of India winning the title of Asian Champions Trophy after they won the inaugural edition in 2011. In that edition as well, India beat Pakistan in the final. Indian hockey team are not the only one to give such surprise on the occasion of Diwali. Before them, Indian cricket team also won the One-Day series against New Zealand by winning the fifth match on the eve of Diwali (Choti Diwali). India has a knack of winning on festive occasion and that has surely helped once again. With this Indian men’s hockey team victory, cricket fraternity from India expressed their excitement and many big cricketers congratulated Indian hockey team. After facing two defeats in four matches, Team India was forced to win the final game and they did it in style. Amit Mishra, who was in the background of top spinners in the past for 13 years came good in the end.
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