Asia’s top-ranked Hockey teams are currently playing in the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai. The tournament began on August 3 and is now nearing its business end. India has been prolific throughout the tournament, topping the table and qualifying for the semi-final in style.
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Arch rivals Pakistan, however, did not have a good outing in the tournament, as they finished in fifth place in the six-team group, winning just one match out of five. As a result, they did not qualify for the semi-final and had to play the fifth-place match against China.
As it was their last game of the championship, the Pakistan players were seen giving a lap of honour to the crowd in Chennai. The non-India games also saw a packed Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, and spectators attended Pakistan’s matches in large quantities. Pakistan’s assistant coach, Rehan Butt, appreciated the crowd and said, "We felt at home in Chennai."
Watch the video here:
The Chennai crowd is known for applauding the efforts of the Pakistan team, as a similar incident happened during a cricket match about two decades ago. During the 1999 Pakistan tour of India. Pakistan won over India in a tight, enthralling match in the first Test. The crowd rose in unison and gave the Pakistan cricket team a standing ovation for their efforts. The cricketers reciprocated the gesture too, giving a similar lap of honour back in 1999.
