India vs China Live Updates, Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026: Harmanpreet restores India's lead after China equalise
China were beaten 4-5 by Malaysia in their opening match
6:15 pm: Hello and welcome to Khel Now’s live blog for the India vs China match in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. Please wait for the blog to load!
After a marauding start to their campaign, the Indian men’s hockey team will aim to continue that momentum when they host China in their second group stage match at the Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026.
India made a perfect start to their title defence on Tuesday putting aside Bangladesh with ease, with hat-trick from Mandeep Singh and a brace each by captain Harmanpreet, Dilpreet and Hardik. India scored 13 without conceding any, with the first goal coming in the second minute and the final with seconds left on the clock.
Also Read: Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Updated Points Table
The five-time winners are the outright favourites to win the tournament and showed exactly why in their tournamnt opener.
Indian men's hockey team back in action!! 🇮🇳🏑
— Khel Now (@KhelNow) October 29, 2026
After the big win over Bangladesh in their tournament opener, India face China🇨🇳 next and will aim to continue their momentum in the Men's Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yHORKtawWV
China, meanwhile, started their campaign with a defeat, going down 4-5 to Malaysia, having taken a 2-1 lead at the start. It was a whirlwind kind of match with the momentum swinging both ways.
Malaysia scored three inside the opening quarter, with China taking a 2-1 lead in between after Malaysia scored first. China went into the second quarter 2-3 behind, then pulled level at 3-3 before Malaysia scored again—two in two minutes.
Also Read: India’s projected path to the final at Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026
China then found a third in the final quarter but couldn’t find another and were instead lucky not to concede more, given Malaysia earned four penalty corners in the final few minutes.
There were no such troubles for India against Bangladesh, who created some neat opportunities but failed to hit the nail with their inexperience showing.
Craig Fulton’s side will be aware not to concede such threats against World No. 22 China. The Men in Blue have won each of their last five meetings against China.
Where and when will India vs China match take place at Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
The round-robin match will be played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on October 29 (Thursday). It is scheduled to begin at 7 pm IST.
What is the head-to-head record between India and China in last five matches in men’s hockey?
India have won each of their last five matches against China.
Who are the favourites to win the India vs China match in Men’s Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2026?
Two-time defending champions India will be the outright favourites. Not only are India the in-form side and playing at home, but China are also playing with a young squad and also lost their opening match against Malaysia.
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