Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy
Asian Champions Trophy 2023: Harmanpreet Singh nets a brace as India hammer Pakistan
(Courtesy : Hockey India)
The Men in Blue finished atop the rankings, while Pakistan bowed out from the group stages.
The Indian men’s hockey team beat Pakistan 4-0 to finish on top of the table at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 here on Wednesday. Performing in front of a roaring home audience at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, the Indian men’s hockey team put on a brilliant display, dominating their opponents from the get-go.
India’s victory was powered by a brace from Harmanpreet Singh (15’, 23’). While Jugraj Singh (36’) and Akashdeep Singh (55’) also scored crucial goals to put the seal on the win.
The first quarter commenced with high octane action unfolding on both ends of the pitch. As early as the second minute a penalty corner in favour of Pakistan saw Pathak keep out a venomous strike by Sufiyan. Recovering quickly, the Indian attackers moved forward with intent, frequently penetrating the Pakistan circle. In the final minutes of the first quarter, Captain Harmanpreet Singh slotted home a signature drag flick to give the Indian men’s hockey team the lead in the 15th minute.
India carried their momentum into the second quarter. A threatening move by Pakistan was thwarted by PR Sreejesh, when he came out of his line to derail Afraz’s pass in the 21st minute. Soon after Vivek Sagar took a powerful shot on goal that was deflected by the feet of the Pakistani defence resulting in yet another penalty corner.
The ensuing injection was masterfully converted by Harmanpreet Singh in the 23rd minute to complete his brace and make it 2-0 in favour of the Indian Men’s Hockey Team. The two teams went into the break with the score at 2-0.
The third quarter began with Pakistan eager to reduce the deficit but were unable to outplay the Indian defence. In the 36th minute, the Indian men’s hockey team earned another penalty corner and Hardik Singh’s injection was met by Jugraj Singh who smashed into the back of the net to score the third goal. In the 43rd minute, Karthi Selvam glided in from the left flank to find Akashdeep Singh, who missed a great opportunity, inches away from goal.
In the fourth quarter, India continued to dominate possession. Their fourth and final goal came in the 55th minute that saw Akashdeep Singh make the most of Mandeep’s pass as he found the back of the net with relative ease.
The victory cements India’s position on top of the table and ensures that they take on a fourth placed Japan in the semi-finals, while Korea will take on Malaysia in the first semi-final encounter, on Friday.
For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join our community on Telegram.
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- India crush Thailand to book semi-final berth in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
- Hockey India League appoint Josh Burt as technical delegate; Colin French to be umpire manager for upcoming season
- India beat South Korea to register back-to-back wins in Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
- India vs South Korea Highlights, Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 updated schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- Women's Asian Champions Trophy: Full list of title winners
- Indian Sports Calendar November 2024: Hockey ACT, FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers, ATP Finals, India's tour of South Africa and more
- Full updated squad of all teams in Women's Hockey India League
- Hockey India League: Top five most expensive Indian players at women's auction