GUWAHATI: India has beaten China to secure their fifth Asian Champions Trophy hockey title on Tuesday, September 17, after a narrow 1-0 victory in the final. Jugraj Singh's goal in the 51st minute was the decisive factor, as the defending champions faced a tough challenge from the resolute Chinese team.
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The two teams had met earlier in the tournament, where India had comfortably won 3-0. However, China came into the final with a different approach, putting up a strong defensive performance. India, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, were the favorites, but China refused to surrender without a fight.
From the outset, China applied pressure on the Indian defense, showing their intent to counterattack. India's first real opportunity came early in the first quarter when Sukhjeet 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 tightly contested, with China adopting a defensive strategy. India came close to breaking the deadlock in the 27th minute when Harmanpreet's penalty corner strike hit the post. A penalty stroke awarded to India was overturned after a successful Chinese review, leaving the match goalless at halftime.
In the third quarter, India intensified their attacks, but China's defense remained firm. Pathak made a crucial save from a penalty corner in the 41st minute, keeping the match 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 Jugraj Singh for the decisive goal. China responded by bringing on a flying goalkeeper, but India’s defense held strong, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory and their fifth Asian Champions Trophy crown.