Jalandhar, November 3 (Sports Desk)
Inspired by the presence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and legendary Dutch drag-flicker Floris Jan Bovelander, the Indian men’s hockey team delivered a commanding performance, thrashing South Korea 8-0 in the ongoing Hero Asian Champions Trophy at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
With this emphatic victory, India finished the round-robin league stage at the top of the points table, underlining its dominance in the tournament.
Before the start of the final league-stage encounter, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Floris Jan Bovelander were introduced to the Indian and South Korean teams.
Dilpreet Singh was India’s standout performer, scoring two goals, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay and Angad Bir Singh contributed one goal each.
Japan finished second in the league standings with 10 points, followed by Malaysia in third place with nine points. South Korea secured fourth position with six points.
Bangladesh Hold China to a Draw
Earlier, Bangladesh produced a spirited performance to hold China to a 1-1 draw.
China took the lead in the second minute when Benhai Chen converted a penalty corner. Bangladesh fought back, with captain Ashraful Islam scoring from a penalty stroke in the 38th minute to level the match.
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Japan Edge Past Malaysia 2-1
In another closely contested encounter, Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1.
Malaysia made an early breakthrough in the 10th minute through Abu Kamal Azrai, who scored a field goal to give his side the lead.
However, Japan responded strongly, with Kentaro Fukuda scoring twice through field goals in the 24th and 54th minutes to secure a hard-fought victory for his team.
India to Face South Korea in the Semi-Final
With the league stage concluded, the four qualified teams have secured their places in the semi-finals.
India will take on South Korea, while Japan will face Malaysia in the second semi-final. Both matches are scheduled to be played on November 4 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.
The final of the tournament will also be held at the same venue on November 5, where the teams will battle for the coveted Hero Asian Champions Trophy title.
