Five-time champions India continued their dominant campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, registering a commanding 8-0 victory over South Korea in their fifth and final round-robin match on Monday. With the emphatic win, India completed the league stage unbeaten, securing the top position in the standings with a maximum of 15 points from five matches.
India had earlier defeated Bangladesh 13-0, China 5-2, Japan 4-1 and Malaysia 4-2, establishing themselves as strong contenders for the title. The team will now face South Korea again in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Mohali, while Malaysia will take on Japan in the other last-four encounter.
Striker Dilpreet Singh led India’s scoring with two goals in the eighth and 40th minutes. Jugraj Singh (11th), captain Harmanpreet Singh (15th), Shilanand Lakra (33rd), Sukhjeet Singh (34th), Sanjay (36th) and Angad Bir Singh (60th) contributed one goal each.
India started aggressively, putting the South Korean defence under pressure from the opening minutes. Dilpreet opened the scoring with a reverse-hit finish, followed by Jugraj’s goal off a rebound. Captain Harmanpreet further strengthened India’s advantage by converting a penalty corner early in the second quarter.
Despite earning several penalty corners, South Korea struggled to breach India’s disciplined defence. The Indian side maintained its attacking momentum after the half-time break, with Lakra scoring off a rebound, followed by Sukhjeet and Sanjay extending the lead through field goals.
Dilpreet added his second goal in the 40th minute, before Angad Bir Singh completed the scoring with a reverse-hit field goal in the final minute.
India’s clinical finishing, attacking coordination and defensive discipline highlighted their impressive form throughout the tournament. The comprehensive victory also sets the stage for another high-stakes encounter against South Korea, as the defending champions move closer to securing another Asian Champions Trophy title.