Moqi (Hulunbuir), September 17th, 2024: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team secured their fifth consecutive Hero Asian Champions Trophy victory, defeating China 1-0 in the championship match at th e picturesque Moqi Hockey Training Base, China Daur Ethnic Park, Hulunbuir, on Tuesday. Jugraj Singh’s decisive goal in the 51st minute clinched the win for India, establishing them as the most successful team in the tournament’s history with an unprecedented five titles. This victory also made India the sole team to win the trophy five times, having successfully defended it for the second year in a row following their win in 2023. India had previously won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2018.
The Indian hockey team’s victory against South Korea in the semifinal played a crucial role in their momentum, helping them secure the win in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy. Their strong performance throughout the tournament paved the way for this significant achievement in Asian hockey.
Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi took X (Twitter) to congratulate the Indian Men’s Hockey Team.
PM Modi lauded the exceptional accomplishment, unwavering determination, and dedication that have uplifted the nation on this win.
In recognition of their outstanding performance, Hockey India announced a cash reward of INR 3 lakhs for each player and IN ₹1.5 lakhs for each support staff member.
The final match was a battle of strategies from the start, with India’s Vivek setting up the first significant opportunity as he maneuvered into the circle, setting up Sukhjeet for an audacious shot that was blocked by Chinese goalkeeper Wang Weihao. India put in relentless pressure in the first half, looking for openings, while China adopted a defensive half-court press to counterattack whenever India’s defense was exposed.
The Indian forward line, including Rajkumar, Sukhjeet, Nilakanta, and Raheel, consistently challenged the Chinese defense, while captain Harmanpreet Singh missed a penalty corner kick. China took their turn to shoot a penalty corner, but Krishan Pathak was quick to block Jiesheng Gao’s attempt.
The second half saw India slowing down the pace of the game, aiming to find gaps in China’s solid defense. Sukhjeet scored another penalty corner late in the half, but Harmanpreet’s shot was deflected off the post. China then launched a counterattack, but Jugraj Singh made a crucial sliding tackle to keep the score at 0-0 at halftime.
The third quarter saw India increasing their intensity, but China’s defense remained unyielding. Harmanpreet’s passes found Abhishek on several occasions, yet they struggled to convert. China earned two penalty corners midway through the quarter, but Pathak’s quick reflexes prevented them from scoring. China ended the quarter by applying pressure on the Indian defense, but India stood firm.
China’s Changliang Lin attempted several risky runs early in the fourth quarter, but India quickly regained control. India’s determination paid off when, with time running out, Harmanpreet Singh found Jugraj Singh in the circle, and he skillfully scored the goal to secure the crucial lead. Singh’s exceptional play earned him a Man of the Tournament.
China responded by pushing forward in search of an equalizer, leading to a thrilling end-to-end finish. However, India remained composed, controlling the game and running down the clock to secure the 1-0 win and their fifth Hero Asian Champions Trophy title.
Award Winners
Player of the Tournament: Harmanpreet Singh (India)
Top Goal Scorer of the Tournament: Yang Jihun scored 9 Goals (South Korea)
Promising Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Kim Jaehan (South Korea)
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Wang Caiyu (China)
Rising Star of the Tournament: Hanan Shahid (Pakistan)
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