NEW DELHI: India’s Men’s Hockey Team successfully defended their Hero Asian Champions Trophy title, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory against hosts China in the final at the scenic Moqi Hockey Training Base, China Daur Ethnic Park, Hulunbuir, on Tuesday. Jugraj Singh’s decisive goal in the 51st minute sealed the triumph, further cementing India’s dominance in the tournament by becoming the most successful team with a record-extending five titles. This victory also marks India’s second consecutive title defence, having won the trophy in 2023, and their third instance of back-to-back wins, following triumphs in 2016 and 2018.
In recognition of the team’s outstanding performance, Hockey India announced a cash prize of INR 3 lakhs for each player and INR 1.5 lakhs for each support staff member.
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The final was a tense affair, with both teams initially struggling to find their rhythm. India’s Vivek created the first major chance of the match, setting up Sukhjeet for a shot that forced a quick save from China’s goalkeeper Wang Weihao. India maintained pressure throughout the first quarter, while China relied on a half-court press, seeking counterattacking opportunities when India’s defence opened up.
India’s forward line, led by Rajkumar, Sukhjeet, Nilakanta, and Raheel, constantly challenged the Chinese defence. Captain Harmanpreet Singh narrowly missed an early penalty corner opportunity, while India’s Krishan Pathak saved China’s Jiesheng Gao’s penalty corner effort.
In the second quarter, India slowed the tempo, looking for openings in China’s tight defence. Sukhjeet won a penalty corner late in the half, but Harmanpreet’s shot deflected off the post. China nearly capitalized on a counterattack, but Jugraj Singh’s sliding tackle kept the scoreline goalless at halftime.
The third quarter saw India increase their intensity, but China’s defence held firm. Harmanpreet’s passes found Abhishek multiple times, but India couldn’t break through. China earned two penalty corners midway through the quarter, yet Pathak’s sharp reflexes kept the game level.
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In the final quarter, China’s Changliang Lin made a few dangerous runs, but India soon regained control. The breakthrough came in the 51st minute, as Harmanpreet Singh set up Jugraj Singh, who expertly slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner. China pushed for an equalizer, but India’s defence remained resolute, running down the clock to secure a historic 1-0 win.
Award Winners:
– Top Goal Scorer: Yang Jihun (9 Goals) – Korea
– Promising Goalkeeper: Kim Jaehan – Korea
– Best Goalkeeper: Wang Caiyu – China
– Rising Star: Hanan Shahid – Pakistan
– Player of the Tournament: Harmanpreet Singh – India