China vs India Highlights, Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 Final: Jugraj Singh scores lone goal as India beat China

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In a repeat of their opening match, the Indian men’s hockey team will face hosts China in the final of Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024. India defeated China 3-0 when they met in the Pool stage of this tournament earlier this month and will hope for a repeat of the same in the title clash. India are the defending champions and title favourites.

Aside from being the title holders, India are also the most successful nation in the tournament history with four titles already to their name in seven editions. This is, however, the first time they will clash against China in the final. In the last edition, India beat Malaysia to lift the title at home after five years. Here’s how the match unfolded when India and China met in the pool stage.

India defeat China 3-0

The Indian Men’s Hockey Team registered a 3-0 victory in their first match of the Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 against hosts China at the Moqi Hockey Training Base today. Sukhjeet Singh (14‘), Uttam Singh (27‘), and Abhishek (32‘) got on the scoresheet for India. Notably, Gurjot Singh made his debut for the Indian Men’s Hockey Team in this match against China.

India were slow off the blocks while China looked ready, creating an early counterattack opportunity, but an alert Krishan Pathak saw the ball sail wide harmlessly. Halfway through the quarter, Abhishek forced a penalty corner from China, but Harmanpreet’s drag flick was saved, and China initiated a blistering counterattack, which was put to an end by the Indian defense.

India rout South Korea to reach final

The Indian men’s hockey team registered an emphatic 4-1 win over Korea in the Semi-Final of Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 at the scenic Moqi Hockey Training Base in the China Daur Ethnic Park, Hulunbuir on Monday. Uttam Singh (13’) gave India the lead in the first quarter, followed by goals from Harmanpreet Singh (19’, 45+’) and Jarmanpreet Singh (32’). Jihun Yang (33’) scored the only goal for Korea.

Defending Champions India enter final after defeating South Korea in hockey 🇮🇳 🇰🇷Uttam Singh's early strike and Harmanpreet Singh's brace led India to victory as South Korea failed to register a comeback🏑#hact2024 #Hockey pic.twitter.com/VEotpQ5fGf

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) September 16, 2024

India began the crucial Semi-Final on the front foot, with Abhishek forcing a save from Korea’s goalkeeper, Jaehan Kim, on the reverse, in the opening minutes. Uttam kept the pressure on with a bursting run down the right wing and found Raheel, whose close-range shot was saved. While the Indian defence smothered the occasional Korean counterattack, the forwards finally broke through as Araijeet Singh smashed the ball across the goal from the right wing for Uttam to tap in, making it 1-0 for India in the first quarter.

India earned their first penalty corner early in the second quarter, and on the second attempt, Harmanpreet struck the backboard to double India’s lead. Korea responded by holding onto possession and probing down the wings in search of an opening, but India fell back and defended in numbers.

When in possession, India continued to create circle entries and posed a constant scoring threat. Towards the end of the second quarter, Korea pushed India back, and Yoonho Kong wrong-footed Gurjot Singh in the circle, forcing a mid-range save from Suraj Karkera.

Also Read: Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Hosts China stage huge upset against Pakistan

Sukhjeet ensured India kept the pressure on with a deep foray into Korea’s shooting circle but couldn’t find a teammate. In the very next play, Jarmanpreet pulled an aerial pass from Sumit on the opposite flank out of the air and smacked it towards goal, where it deflected in, further increasing India’s lead. Korea responded by earning a penalty corner, and Jihun Yang flicked it down the middle to beat Krishan Pathak, providing a ray of hope for Korea as the scoreline read 3-1 in India’s favour.

Both teams created goalscoring opportunities as the third quarter drew to a close, but an error from Korea’s goalkeeper Jaehan Kim gifted India a penalty corner with just a second left. Harmanpreet flicked the ball hard and low to the new keeper Daewon Oh’s right, making it 4-1 in India’s favour.

India continued their dominance in the last quarter with Abhishek and Araijeet forcing saves from the keeper. However, Korea earned a penalty corner with 8 minutes left in the game but Hyeonhong Kim’s effort sailed wide of the post. India controlled the proceedings for the rest of the quarter to seal their berth in the Final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy with a 4-1 victory.

Hero of the Match, Jarmanpreet Singh said, “We played exceptionally well today, we are happy to advance to the Final. Sumit provided me with a splendid ball for the goal and I am thankful to my roommate, who understands me so well, for setting up the goal for me.” 

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