Pakistan lift hockey gold after 20 years

GUANGZHOU: Pakistan annexed the Asian Games men's hockey gold medal after 20 years with a convincing 2-0 win over Malaysia in the final on Thursday. Veteran Sohail Abbas put Pakistan ahead with his team's first penalty corner in the 26th minute, before striker Rehan Butt increased the margin three minutes after half-time. Pakistan’s penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas hit the goal in the first half of the match and brought the Malaysian team under pressure. It was his fifth individual goal in the event. Pakistan had reached the final of Asian Games hockey after 20 years, while it was the first time for Malaysia to play for the title. The Greenshirts last entered the Asiad final 20 years ago in Beijing when they won their seventh gold medal in the event. Pakistan qualified for the final after outclassing defending champions South Korea in the semifinal. Malaysia played their first ever Asian Games final in 13 appearances ever since they made their debut in 1958. Malaysia qualified for their firstever Asian Games final in Guangzhou by edging fancied India 4-3 after extra-time in a thriller.