Pakistan hockey players wave Chinese flags, paint cheeks in red during India vs China ACT 2024 Final – WATCH

New Delhi: In a rare sight, Pakistan hockey players were seen waving Chinese flags from the stands within the course of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 final between India and China on Tuesday in Hulunbuir. Now not just flags, the Pakistani players donned Chinese badges and even painted their cheeks with Chinese flags, the picture of which went viral on social media. The Pakistan players were in attendance after they'd defeated South Korea to secure the 1/3 position earlier on the day.

Nevertheless, their strengthen did little for the Chinese team as the hosts lost Zero-1 to defending champions India. Jugraj Singh scored the handiest goal for India within the 51st minute. Previously, previous to the Asian Champions Trophy, former Olympian Tahir Zaman replaced Roelant Oltmans.

Below Zaman, Pakistan started with two draws against Malaysia and South Korea in he round-robin stage before registering their first win after they defeated Japan in their 1/3 game. Against China, Pakistan won 5-1 before slumping against arch-rivals India in their final league stumble upon. Nevertheless, the Men in Green lost to China within the semifinals.

Pakistan Hockey Team Players Hold China Flag and supporting At some stage in Asian Champions Trophy Final Against India.#IndianHockey percenttwitter.com/aLaqw886GB

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) September 17, 2024

Speaking of the final, it became now demanding for the Harmanpreet Singh-led India as they failed to break the Chinese defence within the first three quarters. Eventually, Jugraj broke the deadlock within the 51st minute at hand the Paris Olympics bronze medallists the win against a resolute Chinese side, which became playing in handiest its 2d international tournament final.

Earlier than this, China’s handiest appearance within the final of an international tournament became in 2006 Asian Games, where they finished 2d-best after losing 1-three to Korea. India, thus, became essentially the most a hit team within the tournament’s history with a record-extending 5 titles.

The Indians had previously achieved back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2018. Rewarding the team’s efforts, Hockey India on Tuesday announced a cash prize of Rs three lakh for every player and Rs 1.5 lakh for every strengthen personnel member