Omar1984
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LAHORE: Pakistan defeated Malaysia 4-3 in the final to win the Under-18 Asia Cup Hockey Tournament in Myanmar on Sunday. Pakistan were leading the first half 3-1 but Malaysia displayed splendid performance in the second half and made the match sensational after scoring two successive goals in the final moments. However, the green shirts fought bravely and emerged victorious in the end. This is second victory for the country in a month. The senior team won a six-team competition in France earlier this month to qualify for the World Cup 2010 to be held in New Delhi, India. Pakistan, winners of three Olympic gold medals, failed to earn a place in the World Cup when they were defeated in the Asia Cup 2009 final. The green shirts, who remained up in the clouds for more than three decades and were record four times world champions, have been striving hard for a big title since winning the 1994 World Cup in Australia. They have not won any Asian title, at senior level, since winning the Asian Games in China 19 years ago. Pakistan finished a poor eighth at the Beijing Olympic Games last year their worst ever showing in the Olympics. They have also missed out on the elite six-nation Champions Trophy in 2008 and 2009 to be held in Australia next month. Meanwhile, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) president Qasim Zia, general secretary Mohammad Asif Bajwa and selector Mujahid Rana have congratulated the junior team on winning the Asia Cup. The PHF president has also announced a cash prize of Rs 50,000for each player of the triumphant team.
