VedTimes.com | Sports Desk
Asian Champions Trophy: Defending champions India continued their impressive campaign at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026.
The Indian men’s hockey team defeated China 5-2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday night.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Player of the Match Sukhjeet Singh led India’s attacking charge.
Both players scored twice to secure India’s second consecutive victory.
Jugraj Singh also contributed a goal. For China, Yang Peng and Chen Chongcong found the net.
Sukhjeet’s Stunning Goal Gives India the Lead
India faced a more challenging opponent after their emphatic 13-0 victory over Bangladesh in the opening match.
China showed attacking intent from the beginning.
However, India gradually took control of the contest.
Sukhjeet Singh broke the deadlock in the 12th minute with a spectacular finish.
He controlled Jugraj Singh’s long aerial pass before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Wu Huanyu.
China threatened India’s lead in the 14th minute.
But goalkeeper Suraj Karkera produced two quick saves to keep the visitors at bay.
Harmanpreet’s Drag-Flicks Extend India’s Advantage
China maintained a compact defensive structure in the second quarter.
Yang Peng equalised through a penalty corner in the 26th minute.
India responded almost immediately.
Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 27th minute with a powerful drag-flick.
The Indian captain struck again in the 31st minute.
His second penalty-corner goal extended India’s advantage to 3-1.
Sukhjeet then doubled his personal tally in the 34th minute.
Aditya Arjun Lalage controlled Harmanpreet’s aerial pass and delivered a precise cut-back.
Sukhjeet finished brilliantly to make it 4-1.
China refused to surrender.
Chen Chongcong converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute, reducing the deficit to 4-2.
Jugraj Seals India’s Comfortable Victory
India continued their attacking approach in the final quarter.
Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner in the 47th minute to make it 5-2.
India created another opportunity late in the match.
Angad Bir Singh earned a penalty corner after a challenge inside the circle.
China challenged the decision through a video referral but failed to overturn it.
Goalkeeper Wu Huanyu then produced an excellent save to deny Harmanpreet his hat-trick.
India comfortably maintained their two-goal advantage until the final whistle.
India Lead the Points Table
Thursday’s other matches produced important results.
Malaysia defeated South Korea 3-1, while Japan edged past Bangladesh 1-0.
India now lead the points table with six points from two matches.
Their impressive goal difference stands at +16.
Malaysia also have six points, with a +3 goal difference.
Japan occupy third place with six points and a +2 goal difference.
South Korea, China and Bangladesh are yet to open their accounts.
India Face Japan in Their Next Match
India will face Japan Today at 7 PM IST.
The match will take place at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar.
The tournament features six teams competing in a single round-robin league. Top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
League stage will conclude in Jalandhar on November 2.
The tournament will then move to Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4.
The bronze-medal match and final will take place on November 5.
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