BARCELONA: Pakistan, the undisputed world champions, won the first-ever World Cup Hockey Tournament when they beat the host nation Spain by a 26th minute penalty corner by left-full Akhtarul Islam to land the hockey grand slam. Immediately, after the final whistle, the world champions fell in Sajda. … Akhtarul Islam who was replacing injured Tanvir Dar, scored the goal from a penalty corner after the Spanish defence fouled centre-forward Rashid. The Olympic Gold Medallists settled back to defend their one-goal lead against a nervous Spanish eleven.

… Spain, the only European team to reach the semi-final could not break through the confident Pakistani defence. The few Spanish chances to score were brilliantly saved by custodian Aslam. Both sides struggled in mid-field during the first minutes of the match. Pakistan soon settled down and brought danger to the Spanish circle.

Spain took two penalty corners during the whole match. Pakistan took three and scored the only goal of the match in the second attempt when Akhtarul Islam drove the ball past Spanish custodian Twose. Spain, the host country to the 10-nation, 10-day tournament, took the silver medal. India, the former Olympic champions, took the bronze by beating Kenya. … — News agencies

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2021