VedTimes.com | Sports Desk
Asian Champions Trophy: India continued their impressive campaign at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 with a convincing 4-1 victory over Japan on Friday night.
This marked India’s third consecutive win in the tournament.
Abhishek Nain emerged as the star performer with two goals.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnukant Singh also scored once each.
The match held special significance for Abhishek, as he made his 150th international appearance.
Japan started strongly and challenged the Indian defence.
Abhishek opened the scoring in the 11th minute.
However, Shota Yamada converted a penalty stroke in the 15th minute to level the scores at 1-1.
Both teams struggled to find another goal during the second and third quarters.
India raised their attacking intensity in the final quarter.
Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute to restore India’s lead.
Abhishek struck again in the 51st minute.
Vishnukant Singh then added the fourth goal in the 56th minute.
India secured all three points with a commanding performance in the closing stages.
Malaysia Dominate Bangladesh 6-1
Malaysia continued their winning run with a comprehensive 6-1 victory over Bangladesh.
This was their third consecutive win in the competition.
Abu Kamal Azrai scored twice to lead Malaysia’s attacking charge.
Anuar Akhimullah, Azimuddin Kamaruddin, Shello Silverius and Aiman Rozemi also found the net.
Bangladesh managed only one goal through Amirul Islam.
Malaysia strengthened their position among the leading contenders for the semi-finals.
South Korea Edge China 2-1
South Korea registered their first victory of the tournament after defeating China 2-1 in a closely contested encounter.
China took an early lead through Chongcong Chen in the eighth minute.
He converted a penalty stroke following a successful attacking move.
South Korea responded strongly after the interval.
Captain Kim Yong-bok equalised in the 35th minute.
Kim Jae-ho scored again just a minute later to complete the comeback.
China pushed for an equaliser but failed to break through the Korean defence.
India and Malaysia Lead the Standings
Malaysia and India have collected nine points each from three matches.
India occupy the top position due to their superior goal difference of +19.
Malaysia follow in second place with a goal difference of +8.
Japan remain third with 6 points.
South Korea have 3 points, while China and Bangladesh are yet to open their accounts.
India Face Malaysia on November 1
India will face Malaysia in their next encounter on November 1 at 7:00 PM IST in Jalandhar.
Both teams have maintained perfect winning records so far.
The clash promises to be one of the biggest encounters of the round-robin stage.
India will look to extend their winning streak and strengthen their position ahead of the semi-finals.
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