What Is 2001 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Overview

The 2001 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was the 10th edition of the prestigious international men's field hockey tournament hosted annually in Malaysia. Held in Ipoh from March 22 to April 1, it featured eight top national teams competing in a round-robin and knockout format, drawing global attention to one of Asia’s premier hockey events.

South Korea emerged as champions, defeating Pakistan 4–3 in a tightly contested final. The tournament not only showcased high-level field hockey but also served as vital preparation for teams gearing up for major international competitions such as the 2002 Men's Hockey World Cup qualifiers and the Commonwealth Games.

• Host city: The tournament was held in Ipoh, the capital of Perak state in Malaysia, at the Sultan Azlan Shah Stadium, a dedicated hockey venue built in 1982.
• Champion: South Korea claimed their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title by defeating Pakistan in the final, marking a significant achievement in their hockey history.
• Runner-up: Pakistan finished second after a strong campaign, including a 2–1 win over Australia during the group stage.
• Participating teams: Eight nations took part: South Korea, Pakistan, Malaysia, Japan, Germany, Australia, Poland, and Kenya.
• Tournament format: The competition began with a round-robin stage followed by classification matches and a final between the top two teams.

How It Works

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is an invitational field hockey tournament that brings together national teams from around the world for competitive matches in a structured format. It serves both as a high-level competition and a preparatory event for upcoming global tournaments.

• Invitational nature: Unlike continental championships, the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is by invitation only, allowing host Malaysia to select strong international teams for balanced competition.
• Annual event: First held in 1983, the 2001 edition marked the 10th consecutive year the tournament was hosted, building its reputation as a key fixture in the hockey calendar.
• Game duration: Each match consists of four 15-minute quarters, totaling 60 minutes of play, with potential extra time in knockout stages.
• Scoring system: Teams earn 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss during the round-robin phase to determine standings.
• Umpiring: Matches are officiated by two international umpires certified by the International Hockey Federation (FIH), ensuring standardized rule enforcement.
• Player eligibility: Only senior national team players recognized by their national hockey federations are permitted to compete in the tournament.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2001 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup can be compared to other international hockey tournaments based on participation, format, and competitive level.

While the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup is smaller in scale than the World Cup or Olympics, it offers consistent high-level competition. Its invitational format allows flexibility in team selection, making it ideal for testing strategies ahead of larger events. The 2001 edition was particularly notable for South Korea’s breakthrough victory and Pakistan’s strong performance, highlighting the tournament’s competitive depth.

Why It Matters

The 2001 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup had lasting significance in international field hockey, influencing team development and regional competitiveness. As a prelude to major tournaments, it provided crucial match experience and exposed tactical trends in global hockey.

• Development platform: Emerging teams like Kenya used the tournament to gain experience against top-tier nations, improving their international rankings over time.
• Regional pride: Malaysia’s consistent hosting reinforced its role as a key hub for Asian field hockey development and infrastructure.
• Performance benchmark: Germany used the event to evaluate squad depth ahead of the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, finishing fourth in 2001.
• Player exposure: Young athletes gained visibility, with several participants later joining European club leagues due to strong performances.
• Strategic testing: Coaches utilized the event to experiment with formations and penalty corner routines under competitive conditions.
• Global engagement: The Cup strengthened ties between Asian, European, and African hockey federations through sustained international participation.

Ultimately, the 2001 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was more than just a regional competition—it was a vital link in the global hockey calendar, fostering growth, competition, and international collaboration in the sport.