Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.
Guwahati: India defeated China to secure their fifth Asia Hockey Champions Trophy title on Tuesday, September 17, after a narrow 1-0 victory in the final. Jugraj Singh’s goal in the 51st minute was the deciding factor as the defending champions faced a stiff challenge from a determined Chinese side.
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The two teams met earlier in the tournament, where India won comfortably 3-0. However, China reached the final with a different attitude, putting on a strong defensive performance. India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, was the favourite, but China refused to surrender without a fight.
From the outset, China put pressure on the Indian defense, showing its intention to counterattack. India’s first real chance came early in the first quarter when Sukjit Singh’s shot was blocked by the Chinese goalkeeper. Despite two penalty corners in the first quarter, India failed to capitalize, while China forced Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak into action with penalty corners of their own.
The second quarter remained hotly contested, with China adopting a defensive strategy. India came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute when Harmanpreet’s penalty kick hit the crossbar. A penalty kick awarded to India was disallowed after a successful Chinese review, leaving the game goalless at half-time.
In the third quarter, India stepped up their attacks, but China’s defense remained strong. Pathak made a crucial save from a penalty corner in the 41st minute, keeping it level as the game entered its final quarter.
India finally broke through in the 51st minute when Harmanpreet made a brilliant run into the D, setting up Jograj Singh for the decisive goal. China responded with a flying keeper, but India’s defense held, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory and their fifth Asian Champions Trophy crown.
(Except translation, this story has not been edited by achinews staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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