BCCI secretary extends wishes to Indian hockey team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Jay Shah congratulated the Indian hockey team for their remarkable victory against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT). India pulled off a remarkable 4-0 victory to end Pakistan’s hope of making their place in the semi-finals of the tournament. Shah took to X, formerly known as Twitter to extend wishes to the team and wrote, “Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia on a fabulous win against Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy, and qualifying for the semi-finals! The dedication and skill were truly inspiring. Best wishes to the team for the semi-final clash on 11th August. Let’s bring home that victory!” Coming to the match, Harmanpreet netted a brace while Jugraj Singh and Akashdeep Singh struck one goal each to help India defeat Pakistan 4-0 at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai. The win ensured India finished at the top of the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 points table with 13 points from five matches. Pakistan, ranked 16th in the world, tried to get off to a good start and nearly did so three minutes in. They needed to avoid a loss by two goals or more to advance to the semifinals. After displaying some deft stickwork on the wings, Aqeel Ahmad fired a beautiful pass to an approaching Abdul Hannan. Krishan Bahadur Pathak of the Indian hockey team made a spectacular save, but Hannan was able to bundle in the rebound. The visitors’ joy was cut short, however, after a review revealed that the ball had come off the Pakistani player’s body.