India crush South Korea 8-0 to top Asian Champions Trophy pool

India delivered a stunning performance, thrashing South Korea 8-0 in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, with Dilpreet Singh scoring twice and six other players finding the net. Dilpreet Singh scored twice, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay and Angad Bir Singh netted one goal each to complete India’s emphatic victory.

Before the match, players from both teams were introduced to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and legendary Dutch drag-flicker Floris Jan Bovelander.

With the league stage concluded, India will face South Korea in the semi-finals, while Japan will take on Malaysia on November 4 at Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. The final will be held at the same venue on November 5.

Japan finished second with 10 points, followed by Malaysia with nine points. South Korea secured fourth position with six points to complete the semi-final line-up.

Earlier, Bangladesh held China to a 1-1 draw. China took the lead in the second minute through Benhai Chen, who converted a penalty corner. Bangladesh captain Ashraful Islam equalised in the 38th minute by converting a penalty stroke.

In another league encounter, Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1. Malaysia took the lead in the 10th minute with a field goal from Abu Kamal Azrai. However, Kentaro Fukuda scored twice, in the 24th and 54th minutes, to secure Japan’s victory.