The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an esteemed annual men's field hockey tournament held in Malaysia, named in honor of Sultan Azlan Shah, the former King of Malaysia. Established in 1983, the tournament has become a significant event in the field hockey calendar, attracting top teams from around the world. Played at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, it features a round-robin format followed by a final match between the top two teams. Renowned for its competitive spirit and high-level play, the tournament not only serves as a platform for teams to prepare for major international competitions but also fosters global interest and participation in the sport.

Table Of Content

Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament Cup Overview

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is named in honor of Sultan Azlan Shah, the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia, and stands as one of the most prestigious field hockey tournaments globally. Since its inception in 1983, it has consistently drawn top teams from around the world to compete at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia. Renowned for its competitive intensity and high-caliber play, the tournament follows a round-robin format culminating in a thrilling final between the best-performing teams. Beyond its role as a crucial preparation ground for international competitions, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup has played a pivotal role in promoting and expanding the sport's reach and appeal on a global scale.

The winner of the Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament Cup 2024 is Japan. They secured the victory in a dramatic final against Pakistan, which ended in a 2-2 draw, necessitating a penalty shoot-out. Japan triumphed in the shoot-out with a 4-1 scoreline, marking a significant achievement for the team​

Azlan Shah Hockey History

• Inception: The tournament began in 1983 and was initially known as the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
• Format: It started as an invitational tournament but has since grown to include top-ranked national teams.
• Location: The matches are primarily held in Ipoh, Malaysia, at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium.

Format

• Participants: Typically, six to seven international teams participate.
• Round-Robin: Teams compete in a round-robin format where each team plays against every other team once.
• Final: The top two teams from the round-robin stage compete in the final match to determine the winner.

Notable Teams

• Regular Participants: Teams like Australia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand often participate.
• Guest Teams: Occasionally, guest teams from other continents also participate, adding to the diversity of the competition.

Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Recent Winners

• 2024: Japan
• 2023: India
• 2022: Australia
• 2021: Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2020: Not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic
• 2019: South Korea

Importance

• Preparation: The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup serves as a crucial preparation tournament for many teams ahead of major events like the Olympics or the Hockey World Cup.
• Ranking Points: Teams earn valuable ranking points based on their performance in the tournament.
• Fan Base: It has a significant following among field hockey enthusiasts globally, particularly in Asia.

Legacy

• Sultan Azlan Shah: The tournament's namesake, Sultan Azlan Shah of Perak, was a prominent figure in Malaysian sports and played a crucial role in promoting hockey in the country.

You May Also Like  PTV Sports Live

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About  Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

When and where is the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup held?

• The tournament is typically held annually in Ipoh, Malaysia, at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium. It usually takes place in the first quarter of the year.

How many teams participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• The tournament generally features six to seven international men's field hockey teams.

What is the format of the tournament?

• Teams compete in a round-robin format where each team plays against every other team once. The top two teams from the round-robin stage advance to the final match.

Who are the regular participants in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• Teams like Australia, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and New Zealand are regular participants. Occasionally, guest teams from other continents also participate.

What is the significance of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• The tournament serves as a crucial preparation event for teams ahead of major competitions like the Olympics or the Hockey World Cup. It also provides valuable ranking points for participating teams.

Who was Sultan Azlan Shah, and why is the tournament named after him?

• Sultan Azlan Shah was the ninth Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) of Malaysia and a prominent figure in Malaysian sports. The tournament is named in his honor to recognize his contributions to the sport of field hockey.

Has the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup ever been canceled or postponed?

• Yes, the tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it resumed in subsequent years.

What is the atmosphere like at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• The tournament attracts a passionate fan base and provides a vibrant atmosphere with enthusiastic crowds supporting their teams.

How can I watch the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• The matches are usually broadcast live on television and streamed online, allowing fans worldwide to follow the action.

Who are some notable past winners of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup?

• Past winners include teams like Australia, India, Pakistan, and South Korea, among others, showcasing the tournament's competitive history.

These FAQs cover the essential aspects of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, providing a comprehensive overview of the tournament's history, format, participants, and significance in the world of field hockey.

Conclusion

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup continues to be a highlight in the field hockey calendar, offering competitive matches and a platform for teams to showcase their skills on an international stage. It's not just a tournament but also a celebration of the sport and its global appeal.