PETALING JAYA: New Zealand warmed-up for the Paris Olympic Games by lifting the Nations Cup after beating France on Sunday.
They had to battle right through to the penalty shootout but stayed solid to troop out as the winners with a score of 4-3 after the final ended in a 1-1 draw in Poland.
South Africa, the 2022 champions, secured third spot after beating Pakistan 4-3 in the playoffs.
New Zealand now have the opportunity to play in the FIH Hockey Pro league in the 2024-25 season by virtue of being the champions.
RESULTS
Final
N. ZEALAND 1 FRANCE 1
(N. Zealand win 4-3 in shootout).
Third Placing
S. AFRICA 4 PAKISTAN 3.
