Japan crowns Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey champions

Japan are turning into a new force in Asian hockey after clinching their maiden Sultan Azlan Shah (SAS) Cup by overcoming heavyweights and three-time champions Pakistan in the final, in Malaysia over the weekend.
Japan, ranked world number 16, was playing for the sixth time in the tournament since 1987 and has never advanced to the final before. But on Saturday, Japan made a dramatic finish with a 4-1 victory over the former champions in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regulation time at the Azlan Shah Stadium.