Moqi (China): Will India lift the trophy once again? The stage is set for an electrifying showdown between India and China.
India men’s hockey team put on a stellar display by defeating South Korea 4-1 in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy and stormed into the final where they will face China on September 17.
The match kicked off with high energy as India quickly took control, dominating possession with 61 percent of the ball. The breakthrough came in the 13th minute when Uttam Singh struck the first goal, latching onto a perfect pass from Araijeet Singh and deflecting it past South Korean goalkeeper Bae Jongsuk. India had drawn first blood, and the tone was set.
As the game rolled into the second quarter, India continued their relentless pursuit. Abhishek's quick thinking earned the team a penalty corner, and captain Harmanpreet Singh was in no mood to miss. With the finesse that has become his trademark, he flicked the ball into the net in the 19th minute, giving India a comfortable 2-0 lead.
By the third quarter, India was firing on all cylinders. Jarmanpreet Singh, who was later named "Hero of the Day," showcased his prowess, trapping an aerial ball from Sumit and blasting it past the South Korean defence in the 32nd minute.
Although South Korea's Yang Jihun responded swiftly with a goal in the 33rd minute, India’s dominance was never truly in doubt. Harmanpreet Singh wasn’t finished, and in the 45th minute, he struck again, converting another penalty corner to make it 4-1.
South Korea attempted to mount a comeback, with Hyun Jigwang’s late shot giving the Indian defence a scare, but it was not enough to upset the rhythm of the game.
India’s defence, anchored by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, held firm, with Karkera making several critical saves to keep the opposition at bay. Amit Rohidas picked up a green card in the 53rd minute, but even with one man down, India’s defensive unit stood tall, thwarting South Korea’s attempts to reduce the deficit.
Jarmanpreet Singh’s performance, particularly his third-quarter goal, earned him the title of "Hero of the Day," and rightly so, as he played a pivotal role in ensuring India’s place in the final.
India’s unbeaten run against South Korea in the Asian Champions Trophy continues, with the two sides having notched up a fierce rivalry over the years. Now, all eyes turn to the final against hosts China on 17 September at 3:30 pm IST. (Inputs from UNI)