What Is 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Overview

The 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was the 15th edition of the prestigious international men's field hockey tournament, held annually in Malaysia. It featured nine national teams competing for the title at the historic Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh.

Running from April 20 to April 29, 2006, the tournament served as a key preparatory event for international teams ahead of larger competitions like the Olympics and World Cup. South Korea emerged as champions, defeating Pakistan 4–3 in a tightly contested final.

• South Korea claimed their first Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title by winning the 2006 edition, marking a breakthrough in their international hockey performance.
• The final match was played on April 29, 2006, where South Korea narrowly defeated Pakistan with a 4–3 scoreline after a tense and high-scoring game.
• Nine teams participated in the 2006 tournament: Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Egypt, New Zealand, Canada, Poland, and South Africa.
• Host nation Malaysia finished in fifth place, failing to advance to the final but showing improvement over previous years.
• All matches were held at the Azlan Shah Stadium, a renowned field hockey venue in Ipoh with a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 spectators.

How It Works

The Sultan Azlan Shah Cup follows a round-robin group stage followed by classification and final matches based on standings. Teams earn points for wins and draws, with tiebreakers used to determine rankings.

• Format: The 2006 edition used a single round-robin group stage with nine teams, followed by classification matches and a final for the top two teams.
• Scoring: Teams received 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss, a standard system used in international hockey tournaments.
• Venue: The Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh, Malaysia, has hosted the tournament annually since 1983, except for a few relocated editions.
• Participation: Invitations are extended to national teams, with host nation Malaysia always included and other spots filled by regional and global contenders.
• Referees: International Hockey Federation (FIH)-certified officials from various countries supervised matches to ensure fair play and consistency.
• Awards: Individual awards included Best Player, Top Scorer, and Best Goalkeeper, though specific 2006 winners are not widely documented.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup can be compared to other editions based on participation, results, and competitive balance. The table below highlights key data from 2006 alongside the 2005 and 2007 tournaments.

The 2006 tournament stood out for its expanded field, with nine teams participating—the highest number since the early 1990s. South Korea’s victory marked a shift in dominance, as traditional powerhouses like India and Germany did not reach the final. The inclusion of Canada and South Africa broadened the tournament’s global appeal, reflecting the FIH’s push for wider international participation.

Why It Matters

The 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup was significant for both competitive and developmental reasons, influencing team strategies and player development in the lead-up to major global events.

• South Korea’s win signaled a rise in East Asian hockey, challenging traditional dominance by European and South Asian nations.
• The tournament provided crucial match experience for teams preparing for the 2006 World Cup and 2008 Beijing Olympics.
• For Malaysia, hosting reinforced its status as a key hub for international field hockey in Southeast Asia.
• Exposure from the event helped grow the sport’s popularity, particularly in non-traditional markets like Canada and South Africa.
• Young players gained visibility, with several participants later becoming regulars in their national squads.
• The 2006 edition highlighted the importance of consistent international competition for improving global hockey standards.

Overall, the 2006 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup served as a pivotal moment in international field hockey, blending competitive intensity with developmental impact across multiple nations.