NEW DELHI: Defending champions India continued their unbeaten run in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy, securing a 3-1 win over Korea at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China, on Thursday. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh (9’, 43’) starred with a brace, surpassing 200 international goals, while Araijeet Singh Hundal (8’) also found the net early in the match.
Having already secured a spot in the semifinals, India sought to maintain their winning streak in this penultimate league-stage game. The team made their intentions clear from the outset, with Araijeet Singh Hundal opening the scoring in the 8th minute, converting a brilliant cross from Vivek Sagar Prasad into a goal with a powerful scoop from the top of the circle. Just a minute later, skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored off a penalty corner, extending India’s lead to 2-0 and marking his 200th international goal.
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Korea, fresh off a 3-2 victory against hosts China, showed resilience, quickly adjusting their defence to curb India’s attacking play. They mounted a series of counterattacks late in the second quarter, which led to a penalty corner in the 30th minute. Jihun Yang, who had been instrumental in Korea’s win over China, converted the penalty corner, narrowing India’s lead to 2-1.
The third quarter saw both teams trade penalty corners, with each side earning four opportunities. However, it was Harmanpreet Singh who capitalized for India, delivering a powerful drag-flick to restore India’s two-goal advantage at 3-1. India played a disciplined game from there, constructing calculated attacks and maintaining solid ball control, while goalkeeper Krishan Pathak stood firm to deny Korea further scoring chances.
In the final quarter, India continued to dominate possession and applied a half-press strategy to set up potential counterattacks. Despite Korea’s attempts to breach India’s defence, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera performed excellently, ensuring India preserved their 3-1 lead until the final whistle. India now prepares for a high-stakes match against arch-rivals Pakistan in their next encounter.
Hero of the Match, Suraj Karkera, said: “Korea is a tough team to beat, but our mantra today was to defend well. There’s no pressure on us, as the coach has given us the freedom to play our game. We’ve trained with Sreejesh for years, and while filling his shoes is no easy task, we give our best effort.”