Host and Asian Games champion India overcame determined resistance from China to secure its second consecutive victory in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Olympian Surjit Singh Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday.
India won 5-2, with captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice and Jugraj Singh adding another from penalty corners. Sukhjeet Singh contributed two field goals, while both of China’s goals came from penalty corners.
The victory kept India at the top of the standings with six points from two matches, ahead of Malaysia and Japan on goal difference. Malaysia defeated South Korea 3-1 earlier in the day, while Japan edged Bangladesh 1-0. Both teams also have six points from two games.
Coming off a narrow 5-4 defeat to Malaysia in its opening match, China began with purpose, matching India across the field and denying the hosts space to build attacking moves during the opening 10 minutes. A brief lapse in concentration allowed Sukhjeet to capitalize on an aerial ball and put India ahead.
Advertisement
The teams traded attacks through much of the first half. China equalized in the 26th minute when Yang Feng converted a penalty corner following a sustained attacking move.
India regained the lead a minute later through Harmanpreet’s penalty corner conversion. After halftime, the Indian captain struck again from a penalty corner, sending a powerful low shot into the net to extend the advantage to 3-1.
China continued to press despite the deficit, but Sukhjeet added his second goal, once again capitalizing on an aerial ball to give India a 4-1 lead.
China responded in the 35th minute when Chen Choncong converted a penalty corner, beating goalkeeper Suraj to narrow the gap to 4-2.
With China seeking a comeback, India tightened its marking and focused on clearing the ball quickly from defense. The approach helped the hosts contain further attacks.
Two minutes into the fourth quarter, Jugraj converted a penalty corner to complete the scoring at 5-2 and secure all three points for India.
