SINGAPORE: An impressive performance boosted Pakistan to a 4-1 victory over archrivals India and clinch the four-nation men's Singapore Challenge series hockey tournament at the Delta Stadium here on Sunday.
In the last league match last night, Haider Abbas (13th and 69th) and Haseem Khan (34th and 39th) struck a brace each to script Pakistan's smooth win over their Asian rivals.
Vikramjit Singh (33rd) scored the lone goal for India.
Pakistan displayed all-round hockey to control the game at the back, midfield and front to garner full nine points from three matches and win the tournament.
India finished runners-up with six points.
A disappointed India coach Romesh Pathania said the Pakistanis won because of fielding experienced players.
"We played the best we could but it all bottles down to experience. When you compare our ages, we average about 17 whereas Pakistan are about 20 plus. That makes the difference," Pathania said.
"We had a good run and held them back from penetrating the 25-yard area and contained them from creating too many chances," he said.
However, Pathania was hopeful that his side would grow up to be a strong force in future.
