The Indian Men’s Hockey Team secured a 4-1 victory over Korea in the semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in the China Daur Ethnic Park, Hulunbuir, on Monday. India’s goals came from Uttam Singh (13′), Harmanpreet Singh (19′, 45+’), and Jarmanpreet Singh (32′), while Jihun Yang (33′) scored the sole goal for Korea.
India started the semi-final aggressively, with Abhishek testing Korea’s goalkeeper, Jaehan Kim, early in the match. Uttam Singh kept up the pressure with a run down the right wing, leading to Raheel’s close-range shot, which was saved. India’s defense managed to contain Korea’s occasional counterattacks, and in the first quarter, Araijeet Singh set up Uttam Singh, who tapped in the first goal for a 1-0 lead.
In the second quarter, India earned their first penalty corner, and Harmanpreet Singh capitalized on the opportunity to double the lead. Korea responded by maintaining possession and exploring options on the wings, but India’s defense remained solid. Despite Korea’s attempts, India continued to penetrate the circle, maintaining the scoring threat. Towards the end of the quarter, Korea pushed back, and Yoonho Kong’s play forced a save from India’s goalkeeper, Suraj Karkera.
Sukhjeet continued to press into Korea’s circle, and soon after, Jarmanpreet Singh controlled an aerial pass from Sumit and directed it towards the goal, extending India’s lead to 3-0. Korea responded with a penalty corner, where Jihun Yang’s flick beat goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, bringing the score to 3-1.
As the third quarter concluded, both teams created scoring opportunities. A mistake by Korea’s goalkeeper Jaehan Kim led to a last-second penalty corner for India. Harmanpreet Singh took advantage, flicking the ball past the new keeper Daewon Oh, making the score 4-1.
In the final quarter, India maintained its dominance with Abhishek and Araijeet forcing saves from the Korean keeper. Korea earned a penalty corner with 8 minutes remaining, but Hyeonhong Kim’s effort missed the post. India then controlled the game’s proceedings to secure their place in the final with this decisive 4-1 victory.
Jarmanpreet Singh, who was named Hero of the Match, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We played exceptionally well today, and 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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India remains the only undefeated team in the tournament and will face hosts China in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 on Tuesday at 1530 IST.