India Storms into Asian Champions Trophy Final with 4-1 Win over South Korea

India Storms into Asian Champions Trophy Final with 4-1 Win over South Korea

India’s hockey team, led by skipper Harmanpreet Singh, secured a resounding 4-1 victory over South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday, September 16, 2024. The triumph propelled India into the tournament’s final, where they will face hosts China.

The match commenced with India dominating possession and testing the Korean defense with relentless attacks. Uttam Singh broke the deadlock in the 13th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Araijeet Singh Hundal. Harmanpreet Singh extended India’s lead with a penalty corner goal four minutes later.

Korea managed to pull one back through Yang Jihun’s penalty corner conversion in the 33rd minute. However, India remained unfazed and regained their two-goal advantage when Jarmanpreet Singh scored in the 32nd minute.

Harmanpreet Singh sealed the victory with another penalty corner goal in the 45th minute. India’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, held firm to deny Korea any further scoring opportunities.

In the other semifinal, China defeated Pakistan 2-0 via a shootout after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. India and China will now face off in Tuesday’s final, a rematch of their group stage encounter, which India won 3-0.

Pakistan and Korea will battle for the bronze medal in the third-place classification match, also scheduled for Tuesday. Meanwhile, Japan defeated Malaysia 4-2 in a shootout following a 4-4 stalemate in the fifth-sixth place classification match.

China Stuns Pakistan to Reach Asian Champions Trophy Final

China Stuns Pakistan to Reach Asian Champions Trophy Final

In a stunning upset, China has defeated Pakistan 2-0 (1-1) in a shootout to advance to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy. This marks the first time China has reached the title round of the tournament, while Pakistan, a two-time champion, will play for the bronze medal.

China’s goalkeeper, Caiyu Wang, was the hero of the shootout, making several key saves. Benhai Chen and Chanliang Lin scored for China in the shootout.

Earlier in the match, Yuanlin Lu had given China an early 1-0 lead in the 18th minute with a powerful dragflick. Pakistan equalized in the 37th minute through Ahmed Nadeem, but China held on to force a shootout.

China’s victory was a testament to their grit and determination. They dominated the ball possession and created early chances, buoyed by the support of a large home crowd.

Pakistan, on the other hand, struggled to create scoring opportunities. They had several penalty corners but were unable to breach the Chinese defense.

China’s head coach, Jin Seung Yoo, praised his team’s performance. “It’s an important game for us and we are totally charged up,” he said before the match. “This is the first time China is playing the semifinal of such a prestigious event in front of home crowd.”

China’s victory is a major upset and a sign of their growing strength in international hockey. They will now face the winner of the second semifinal between India and Korea in the final.

India's Hockey Dominance Continues in Asian Champions Trophy Semifinals

India’s Hockey Dominance Continues in Asian Champions Trophy Semifinals

India, the bronze medallists at the Paris Olympics, have maintained their impressive form in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, securing a spot in the semifinals after registering five consecutive wins in the league stage.

The Harmanpreet Singh-led side began their campaign with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by dominant wins over Japan (5-1) and Malaysia (8-1). India then defeated Korea 3-1 before edging out arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a closely contested match.

India’s performances have been characterized by their excellence in all departments. The forwardline, comprising young talents like Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal, has exceeded expectations by scoring crucial field goals. Midfielder Raj Kumar Pal has also shone brightly, contributing with some fine field goals.

The experienced trio of Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nilakanta Sharma have been instrumental in controlling the midfield, while the Indian defense has been equally impressive, conceding just four goals. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera have filled the void left by the retirement of PR Sreejesh with aplomb.

Harmanpreet Singh, one of the world’s top drag-flickers, has led from the front, converting five penalty corners and providing a steady source of goals. He has been ably supported by young Jugraj Singh, who is known for his lightning-fast drag-flicks.

However, the knockout stage presents a new challenge for India, and they cannot afford to take Korea lightly. The Koreans are known for their unpredictable style of play and their ability to spring surprises. India’s defense will need to be cautious about conceding penalty corners, as Korea possesses a potent drag-flicker in Jihun Yang, the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals.

In the other semifinal, Pakistan will face hosts China. The final is scheduled for Tuesday.

Harmanpreet Singh has warned his teammates against complacency, despite India’s impressive run so far. “We came into this tournament with very little rest or preparations after our Olympic campaign. Despite that, I am happy with how the team has done to progress into the semifinal stage,” he said.

“Korea is a tough team, they defend very well and can counter attack fast and skillfully,” added Harmanpreet.

India Beat Pakistan 2-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

India Beat Pakistan 2-1 in Asian Champions Trophy

Indian men’s hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh continued his impressive form, scoring two penalty corners to lead India to a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their final league match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

The match was a tense affair, with both teams playing with intensity and determination. Pakistan took the lead in the 8th minute through Ahmad Nadeem, but Harmanpreet equalized just five minutes later with a powerful drag-flick. He then gave India the lead in the 19th minute with another penalty corner conversion.

Pakistan fought back in the second half, but India’s defense held firm. The Indians also had chances to extend their lead, but they were unable to convert their penalty corners.

The match was marred by a heated encounter between Harmanpreet and Pakistan’s Ashraf Waheed Rana in the third quarter. Rana shouldered Jugraj Singh inside the Indian circle, prompting Harmanpreet and Jarmanpreet Singh to confront him. The on-field umpires and Pakistan captain Ammad Butt intervened to control the situation, and Rana was shown a yellow card.

India’s victory was their fifth consecutive in the six-team round-robin competition. They will now face South Korea in the semifinals on Sunday.

India Defeats Pakistan 2-1 to Reach Asian Champions Trophy Semifinals

India Defeats Pakistan 2-1 to Reach Asian Champions Trophy Semifinals

Defending champions India continued their unbeaten run in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy, defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 in a thrilling encounter in Hulunbuir on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The victory propelled India into the semifinals of the six-team round-robin competition.

Pakistan drew first blood through Ahmad Nadeem’s goal in the 8th minute, but India responded swiftly with two penalty corner conversions from Harmanpreet Singh in the 13th and 19th minutes. The match was a tense affair, with both teams creating numerous chances but failing to capitalize.

India’s defense, led by goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh, stood firm against Pakistan’s relentless attacks. The Indian midfield, anchored by Manpreet Singh, controlled the tempo of the game and created several scoring opportunities for the forwards.

Pakistan, despite their early lead, struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to penetrate India’s defense consistently. Their penalty corner conversion rate was also poor, with only one successful attempt out of five.

The victory was a significant one for India, as it extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to five matches. They have now qualified for the semifinals, where they will face the winner of the match between Japan and Malaysia.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and improve their performance if they want to qualify for the semifinals. They have one more match remaining in the round-robin stage, against Japan on September 16.

India-Pakistan Hockey Rivalry Wanes Amid Lopsided Dominance

India-Pakistan Hockey Rivalry Wanes Amid Lopsided Dominance

India and Pakistan, once fierce rivals in hockey, will face off again at the Asian Champions Trophy. However, the rivalry has waned in recent years due to India’s dominance and Pakistan’s decline.

Since 2016, India has won 14 of 17 matches against Pakistan, with two draws and one washout. This lopsidedness is attributed to India’s consistent investment in foreign professionals and high-performance programs.

Pakistan, on the other hand, has faced financial and administrative challenges, leading to missed Olympic and World Cup appearances. The lack of domestic tournaments and the dismantling of departmental hockey have further hindered their progress.

Despite the imbalance, Pakistan captain Ammad Butt remains optimistic about giving India a tough fight. He acknowledges India’s strengths, particularly drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, but believes Pakistan can succeed by applying pressure.

Former World Cup winner Tahir Zaman, now Pakistan’s head coach, emphasizes the need for proper infrastructure and national-level high-performance centers to address the gap between the two teams.

While India has participated in numerous domestic and international tournaments in recent years, Pakistan has had limited opportunities. This disparity in training and competition has contributed to the decline of Pakistan’s hockey prowess.

Despite the challenges, Pakistan is working to revive departmental hockey and improve player welfare. However, Zaman acknowledges that it will take time and effort to rebuild the team’s competitiveness.

India Extends Unbeaten Streak to Four at Asian Champions Trophy

India vs Pakistan Asian Champions Trophy 2024 greatest rivalry: when and where to watch.

The excitement is palpable as the epic showdown between India and Pakistan takes center stage in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024.​ Scheduled for September 14, 2024, at 1:15 PM IST. Fans around the world are gearing up, with live streaming available on the SonyLiv app and a broadcast on Sony Sports Ten 1 and Ten 1 HD channels, making it easier than ever to catch all the action.

India vs. Pakistan hockey match is set to unfold at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, China. This event is significant not only because of the teams involved but also due to the historical context of their matches.  With both squads showcasing impressive performances in the tournament, the stage is perfectly set for an electrifying encounter that promises to be unforgettable.

For both teams, the stakes couldn’t be higher. India enters the match with an unbeaten record in the tournament, having won all four of their games. In contrast, Pakistan needs either a win or a draw to secure their place in the semi-finals. The fervor among fans is unmistakable, as both teams strive to not only take significant steps towards glory but also to assert dominance over their long-standing rivals.

As fans eagerly await this showdown, the air is thick with anticipation. Social media has already begun buzzing with predictions, team line-ups, and nostalgic memories from past encounters. Both the players and fans know that this match could be a defining moment in the tournament, heightening the emotional stakes for everyone involved.

India Extends Unbeaten Streak to Four at Asian Champions Trophy

India Extends Unbeaten Streak to Four at Asian Champions Trophy

Defending champions India continued their dominant run at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Hulunbuir, China, with a convincing 3-1 victory over Korea on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

India, who had already secured a semifinal berth with three consecutive wins, extended their unbeaten streak to four matches. Araijeet Singh Hundal (8th minute) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (9th, 43th) were the goal scorers for India, while Jihun Yang (30th minute) netted the lone goal for Korea from a penalty corner.

India started the match aggressively and took the lead early on through Hundal, who deflected a cross from the right flank into the Korean net. Just a minute later, Harmanpreet doubled India’s advantage with a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner.

Korea fought back in the second quarter and earned a penalty corner, which Yang converted to reduce the deficit. However, India maintained their composure and regained control of the game in the third quarter.

Harmanpreet extended India’s lead to 3-1 with another penalty corner goal in the 43rd minute. Korea tried to mount a comeback in the final quarter but failed to breach the Indian defense.

With this victory, India finished the league stage with a perfect record of four wins from four matches. They will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in their last league match on Saturday before advancing to the semifinals.

The top four teams from the league stages will qualify for the semifinals, while the final will be played on Sunday.

PR Sreejesh Retires from Hockey, Embarks on Coaching Journey

PR Sreejesh Retires from Hockey, Embarks on Coaching Journey

Indian hockey legend PR Sreejesh has announced his retirement from international hockey after a remarkable career spanning over two decades. The 36-year-old goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in India’s recent Olympic success, has expressed his unwavering commitment to serving the sport and helping India become a global hockey superpower.

Sreejesh’s illustrious career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements. He was instrumental in India’s historic bronze medal victory at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, their first Olympic medal in hockey since 1980. He also played a key role in India’s bronze medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, making India the first team to win consecutive Olympic medals in hockey since 1972.

In addition to his Olympic success, Sreejesh has also won two gold medals and a bronze medal at the Asian Games. He has been a consistent performer for the Indian national team, earning over 250 caps and establishing himself as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.

Following his retirement, Sreejesh has been appointed as the head coach of the Indian junior men’s hockey team. He is confident that he can use his experience and knowledge to guide the next generation of Indian hockey players to success.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lauded Sreejesh for his exceptional contributions to Indian hockey. In a letter to Sreejesh, Modi expressed his gratitude for Sreejesh’s dedication and hard work, and wished him well in his new role as a coach.

Sreejesh’s retirement marks the end of an era for Indian hockey. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players. His unwavering commitment to excellence and his passion for the sport will serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring hockey players across the country.

India Aims to Extend Winning Run Against Malaysia in Asian Champions Trophy

India Aims to Extend Winning Run Against Malaysia in Asian Champions Trophy

India’s men’s hockey team, fresh off their bronze medal triumph at the Olympics, is aiming to continue their winning streak at the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy. Their next challenge comes in the form of Malaysia, a team they will face on Wednesday in Hulunbuir.

India’s recent success has been built on their newfound ability to score field goals, a skill that will be crucial against Malaysia. The team has looked more enterprising in this tournament, seizing opportunities up front while maintaining a solid defense.

India began their title defense with a 3-0 victory over hosts China, followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Japan. In both matches, the young Indian forwards have impressed, reducing the reliance on star dragflicker and captain Harmanpreet Singh.

In contrast, Malaysia, the runners-up in the previous edition, has struggled so far, with one loss and a draw. They will be eager to turn things around against India.

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