Suraj saves, Raheel strikes as India rule Asian Hockey 5s

India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera (left) and forward Mohd Raheel with the Hockey 5s Asia Cup

India goalkeeper Suraj Karkera was in top form, denying Pakistan twice in the shootout, as India emerged 6-4 winners in a keenly-contested final of the inaugural Hockey 5s Asia Cup in Oman on Saturday.

For India, Mohammed Raheel (19th and 26th minute) Jugraj Singh (7th) and Maninder Singh (10th) were on target in regulation time, while Pakistan got their goals through Abdul Rehman (5th), skipper Abdul Rana (13th), Zikriya Hayat (14th) and Arshad Liaqat (19th) as the scores read 4-4. In the shootout, Gurjot Singh and Maninder Singh scored for India, while Arshad Liaqat and Murtaza failed to beat India custodian Karkera.

Karkera said the win was special because they had lost to their arch-rivals in the league phase. "Pakistan had beaten us earlier in this tournament and we had discussed that match in detail before the final. We spoke about the mistakes we committed, watched videos and changed a few things. Most of the goals we conceded against Pakistan were due to our mistakes and not because they did anything extraordinary. Even in the final, they were leading, but we showed some good fighting spirit to come from behind and win this title," Malad resident Karkera told mid-day from Oman on Sunday.

More importantly, the title ensured Team India qualified for the Hockey 5s World Cup which will be played at the same venue next year.

Also Read: Asian Hockey 5s: India outclass B'desh 15-1

Karkera had special praise for teammate Raheel, who scored a crucial goal, moments from the final whistle. "I was confident of doing well in the shootout, but had Raheel not scored that late equaliser when were 3-4 down, the match would never have reached the shootout stage and we would have lost," said Karkera.

Former India captain Sardar Singh was coach of the team and Karkera revealed that his guidance was invaluable for the Mandeep Mor-led side.

"I've played with Sardar in the 2017 Asia Cup which we won in Bangladesh. Having him as our coach was great. We learnt so much from him, particularly on how to deal with situations against a tough team like Pakistan. He knows modern hockey inside out."

Hockey India announced a cash award of Rs 2 lakh for every player and Rs 1 lakh each for members of the support staff.