The Indian men’s hockey team began their title defence with an impressive 3-0 victory over hosts China in the Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday. Sukhjeet Singh (14th minute), Uttam Singh (27th), and Abhishek (32nd) scored for India, while China failed to find the back of the net. Fresh off their second consecutive Olympic bronze, India displayed strong attacking play and solid defence to secure the win. India now shifts focus to their next match against Japan on Monday, September 9.
Early challenges for India
India faced a tough start as China launched a quick counterattack after a turnover in the midfield, managing to get a shot away. However, it lacked power and drifted wide. India’s first real opportunity came after five minutes when Abhishek passed to Raheel, whose shot was stopped. The first penalty corner (PC) chance for India came in the 8th minute, but Captain Harmanpreet’s attempt was saved, leading to a quick counter from China that had India on alert.
China’s dominance, but India’s goal
Although China seemed to grow into the game, it was India who smashed a goal first, almost against the flow. Jugraj Singh sent a precise pass into the D, which Sukhjeet Singh skillfully diverted into the back of the net, giving India the lead.
Second quarter gave the lead to India
The second quarter saw India dominate more, with Abhishek testing China’s goalkeeper early. India capitalised on a defensive error by China, with Uttam Singh smashing India’s second goal with less than four minutes remaining in the second quarter. Just after the start of the third quarter, Abhishek made it 3-0, putting the game beyond the hosts.
India’s solid defense and missed PC opportunities
Despite a few penalty corner chances for both teams, India’s defense, led by Karkera, held firm. India was aggressive in attack, creating more field goal chances. Jugraj came close to scoring from a drag flick, but his effort went wide. China finished the game with some late penalty corners, but India’s defence stayed resolute to secure the 3-0 win.
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