Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2024: Title-holders India eye winning start against China in tournament opener

Published at :September 7, 2024 at 4:05 PM

Modified at :September 7, 2024 at 4:06 PM

(Courtesy : Hockey India)

India will face China on 8th September.

The stage is set for the prestigious Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024, which will begin on 8th September at the picturesque Moqi Hockey Training Base, overlooking the Nierji Dam in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China.

Reigning Olympic Bronze medalists India start as favorites to defend the title, while hosts China, Japan, Pakistan, Korea, and Malaysia have arrived with hopes of a grand outing in the marquee tournament.

Last year, India won the title at home, making them the only team to bag four titles in the history of the tournament. The team’s skipper Harmanpreet Singh is keen on continuing India’s dominance in the continental championships this year. He said, “The Asian Champions Trophy last year gave us the right momentum going into the Asian Games and followed it up with the Olympic Games triumph of standing on the podium yet again. This time too, we want to begin the fresh Olympic cycle by winning this tournament.”

“While we have ten members from the Olympic side playing in this tournament, we have a few youngsters trying to make their impact in the team. In terms of game point-of-view, our attacking and penalty corners are our forte, but we will be looking to play a structured defense, particularly against teams like Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan. This is an important tournament for us in terms of world ranking points, and we are ready for the challenge,” he added.

India will begin their campaign with the opening match against hosts China, followed by their second match on 9th September against Japan. After a day’s rest, India will take on last year’s runners-up Malaysia on 11th and play Korea on 12th September. After another day’s break, India will face their nemesis, Pakistan, on 14th September, while the Semi-Final and Final will be held on 16th and 17th September, respectively.

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“This tournament is one of the most exciting ones in the Asian Hockey calendar. We will also get to see the progress the Asian teams are making in the new cycle, as they will play with a fresh group of players, keeping in mind the Asian Games in 2026,” expressed Vivek Sagar Prasad, who has been given the role of vice-captain in the absence of Hardik Singh.

Having arrived in Moqi on 4th September, the team is in good shape for their title defense. “We arrived here earlier this week and have got good time on the pitch. The weather is suitable for us, but it gets a bit cold in the evening. The facility is incredible and perhaps one of the most beautiful hockey venues in the world. The excitement of hosting the first international tournament here is quite evident, and we are looking forward to playing quality matches and entertaining the hockey-loving people of this region,” concluded Vivek Sagar Prasad.

India’s Schedule:

8th Sept: India vs China at 1530 hrs IST
9th Sept: India vs Japan
11th Sept: India vs Malaysia
12th Sept: India vs Korea
14th Sept: India vs Pakistan
16th & 17th Sept: Semi-Final and Final

Where to Watch: Matches will be live on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD.

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