Asian Champions Trophy 2024 hockey: India storm into final with 4-1 win over South Korea

The Indian men’s hockey team defeated the Republic of Korea 4-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 semi-final at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, People’s Republic of China on Monday.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh (19’, 45’) netted a brace while Uttam Singh (13’) and Jarmanpreet Singh (32’) scored a goal each. The tournament’s top-scorer Yang Ji-Hun (33’) converted a penalty corner to pull one back for South Korea.

With the victory, defending champions India advanced to the Asian Champions Trophy hockey final for the sixth time in eight editions. In the final on Tuesday, India will meet China, who stunned Pakistan 2-0 in the shoot-off after holding them to 1-1 in the regulation time. South Korea will play Pakistan for the bronze medal.

The Indian hockey team, fifth in the FIH rankings, started slowly against the world No. 14 South Korean side but created two big chances in the first five minutes.

Abhishek’s reverse hit in the fourth minute forced a brilliant save from Korean goalkeeper KIM Jaehan while Raheel threatened a minute later, only to be denied by Kim’s quick charge towards the ball.

India, the Paris 2024 Olympics bronze medallists, opened the scoring in the 13th minute after former captain Manpreet Singh started a slick passing sequence. Raj Kumar Pal and Araijeet Singh Hundal also combined to set up Uttam Singh, who calmly finished at the goalmouth.

South Korea responded by earning two back-to-back penalty corners at the end of the first quarter but Amit Rohidas’ brave rushing helped India block both attempts.

India doubled their lead six minutes into the second quarter when Harmanpreet Singh’s shot deflected off a Korean defender, beating the goalkeeper.

Jarmanpreet Singh made it 3-0 early in the third quarter, controlling an aerial ball before firing it past the Korean keeper.

Yang Ji-Hun, the tournament’s top scorer, beat Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak for South Korea’s first goal and his eighth of the competition.

Despite a strong third-quarter showing by South Korea, an error from their goalkeeper of handling the ball outside the D in the dying seconds gifted India a penalty corner, which Harmanpreet Singh calmly converted for his second goal of the match.

South Korea played aggressive hockey in the final quarter but could not break through India’s defence, as the defending champions secured a spot in their second consecutive Asian Champions Trophy final.

The India vs China Asian Champions Trophy hockey final will be played at 3:30 PM IST on Tuesday at the same venue. India are the most successful team in the competition with four titles while China will feature in their first-ever final.