Pakistan Players Display China Flag During Asian Champions Trophy Final Against India, Sparking Online Reactions

The Asian Champions Trophy 2024 concluded on Tuesday with India claiming their fifth title, defeating hosts China 1-0 in the final held in Hulunbuir. The newly revamped Indian team remained undefeated throughout the tournament, with Jugraj Singh’s crucial goal in the fourth quarter securing their victory. China, making their debut in the final, played admirably but fell short. Pakistan, meanwhile, secured third place with a 5-2 win over Korea.

During the final, a broadcast image showed Pakistani players holding the Chinese flag, which sparked a reaction online, especially since Pakistan had lost to China in the semi-final. The image quickly went viral.

In the third-place match, Pakistan rallied from an early deficit to defeat Korea 5-2 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in China Daur Ethnic Park. Goals came from Sufyan Khan (38′, 49′), Hannan Shahid (39′, 54′), and Rooman (45′). Korea’s goals were scored by Jungjun Lee (16′) and Jihun Yang (40′).

Korea initially took the lead in the 16th minute through Lee, but Pakistan responded after halftime. Sufyan Khan equalized with a penalty corner, and Hannan Shahid added a field goal. Despite Korea’s equalizer in the 40th minute, Pakistan regained the lead with Rooman’s goal and maintained their advantage with further goals from Sufyan and Hannan. Goalkeeper Muneeb Ur-Rehman, replacing Ishtiaq Abdullah Khan in the final quarter, ensured Pakistan’s defense held strong to secure the bronze medal.