Asian Champions Trophy: In the Hero Asian Champions Trophy, here on Wednesday, India, the reigning champions, defeated Malaysia 8-1 to secure a semi-final berth. Young Raj Kumar Pal scored three goals in the match.
The Indian men’s hockey squad scored goals in the following order: Raj Kumar (3rd, 25th, and 33rd minutes), Araijeet Singh Hundal (6th and 39th minute), Jugraj Singh (7th minute), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (22nd minute), & Uttam Singh (40th min).
Akhimullah Anuar netted Malaysia’s sole goal in the 34th minute.
India, the bronze medallists from the Paris Olympics, are presently leading the rankings with nine points after defeating hosts China 3-0 in their tournament opener and then defeating Japan 5-1.
A round-rob play is used for the six-team competition, with the top four teams moving in to the the semifinals on September 16. Thursday is the big day.
India’s league matches conclude on Saturday with a match against archrivals Pakistan; their next opponents are Korea on Thursday. After defeating Japan 2-1 in the opening game of the day, Pakistan also increased their prospects of making it to the semifinals.
Considering the recent outcomes, India’s chances were not good versus Malaysia. India fell behind 1-3 at the break in their most recent game, which was the Asian Champions Trophy final for 2023. However, they stormed back to win 4-3 and secure the championship.
Asian Champions Trophy:
The men maintained their excellent play, attacking nonstop from the off on Wednesday. India scored five field goals, and Jugraj, Harmanpreet, and Uttam converted three penalty corners.
Raj Kumar quickly gave India the lead by scoring a single goal with amazing stickwork and embarrassing the Malaysian defense. Araijeet discovered the corner of the Malaysian post three minutes later.
Jugraj’s strong drag-flick increased the lead a minute later.
Despite being behind by three goals, Malaysia made a strong start in the second quarter and was awarded a penalty corner, but the Indian defense held strong.
In the 22nd minute, India won back-to-back penalty corners, and with a perfect flip, one of the world’s top drag-flickers, Harmanpreet, put the ball into the Malaysian goal.
India led 5-0 at the break thanks to goals from 26-year-old Raj Kumar, who scored his second goal shortly after Araijeet and Uttam set them up.
Raj Kumar’s first hat-trick at the senior level came off a rebound three minutes after the change of ends, after vice captain Vivek Sagar Prasad’s first effort was stopped by the Malaysian goalie.