Mohali, November 5 (Sports Desk)
India delivered another commanding performance, thrashing South Korea 8-1 in a one-sided semifinal encounter today to book their place in the final. Repeating their dominance from the league-stage clash, the Indian team once again showcased its attacking strength and exceptional stickwork.
The Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali witnessed a memorable display of world-class hockey. The match was particularly significant as the stadium hosted an international fixture for the first time, marking its entry onto the global sporting map.
India will now face Japan in the tournament final on November 5 at the same venue.
Shilanand Lakra leads India’s goal rush
India made an explosive start, with Shilanand Lakra opening the scoring through a field goal in the fourth minute. South Korea responded in the ninth minute as Sangjun Han found the net to level the score at 1-1.
However, the Indian attack soon took complete control of the contest. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the ninth minute, followed by another penalty-corner goal from Shilanand Lakra in the 13th minute.
Sukhjeet Singh and Dilpreet Singh struck field goals in the 21st minute to extend India’s advantage. Dilpreet then scored his second goal in the 25th minute, taking the score to 6-1.
Angad Bir Singh added another field goal in the 36th minute, while Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the scoring with a field goal in the 54th minute to seal India’s comprehensive 8-1 victory.
Japan edge Malaysia in penalty shootout
The second semifinal between Japan and Malaysia turned out to be a closely contested affair, with both teams producing determined performances. Neither side managed to score during regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Japan held their nerve to defeat Malaysia 5-3 and secure their place in the final against India.
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Kazumasa Matsumoto, Ryoma Ooka, Tsubasa Tanaka, Haruki Ochiai and Seren Tanaka converted their attempts for Japan. Aiman Rozemi, Shello Silverious and Abu Kamal Azrai scored for Malaysia.
China finish fifth after defeating Bangladesh
Earlier, China defeated Bangladesh 3-1 to secure fifth place in the tournament.
Yulai Zhao opened the scoring for China with a field goal in the 10th minute, followed by another field goal from Yaqi Wang in the 18th minute. Chinese captain Chongcong Chen extended the lead by converting a penalty stroke in the 22nd minute.
Bangladesh managed to score its only goal in the 48th minute through a penalty corner converted by Shohanur Muhammad Rahman.
With India now set to face Japan, all eyes will be on the November 5 final at Mohali, where the hosts will aim to crown their impressive campaign with the championship title.
Among the distinguished personalities present to witness and applaud India’s emphatic victory were Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, Sangrur MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh, World Cup-winning hockey captain Ajitpal Singh, former Olympians Aslam Sher Khan, Zafar Iqbal, Balbir Singh Randhawa, Rajinder Singh Senior, Rani Rampal, Sardar Singh, Baljit Singh Dhillon, Rajpal Singh, Prabhjot Singh and Deepak Thakur. Kabir Singh, grandson of legendary hockey player Late Balbir Singh Senior, was also present.
