Pakistan hockey players wave Chinese flags, paint cheeks in red during India vs China ACT 2024 Final – WATCH

New Delhi: In a rare sight, Pakistan hockey players were seen waving Chinese flags from the stands during the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 final between India and China on Tuesday in Hulunbuir. Not just flags, the Pakistani players donned Chinese badges and even painted their cheeks with Chinese flags, the picture of which went viral on social media. The Pakistan players were in attendance after they had defeated South Korea to secure the third position earlier on the day.

However, their support did little for the Chinese team as the hosts lost 0-1 to defending champions India. Jugraj Singh scored the only goal for India in the 51st minute. Previously, just before the Asian Champions Trophy, former Olympian Tahir Zaman replaced Roelant Oltmans.

Under Zaman, Pakistan started with two draws against Malaysia and South Korea in he round-robin stage before registering their first win when they defeated Japan in their third game. Against China, Pakistan won 5-1 before slumping against arch-rivals India in their final league encounter. However, the Men in Green lost to China in the semifinals.

Pakistan Hockey Team Players Hold China Flag and supporting During Asian Champions Trophy Final Against India.#IndianHockey pic.twitter.com/aLaqw886GB

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) September 17, 2024

Speaking of the final, it was not easy for the Harmanpreet Singh-led India as they failed to break the Chinese defence in the first three quarters. Eventually, Jugraj broke the deadlock in the 51st minute to hand the Paris Olympics bronze medallists the win against a resolute Chinese side, which was playing in only its second international tournament final.

Before this, China’s only appearance in the final of an international tournament was in 2006 Asian Games, where they finished second-best after losing 1-3 to Korea. India, thus, became the most successful team in the tournament’s history with a record-extending five titles.

The Indians had previously achieved back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2018. Rewarding the team’s efforts, Hockey India on Tuesday announced a cash prize of Rs 3 lakh for each player and Rs 1.5 lakh for each support staff member