India clinches fifth Asian Champions Trophy with hard-fought victory over China
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy hockey title with a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts China in a tense final. The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, faced a strong Chinese defense, unable to find the back of the net in the first three quarters. However, Jugraj Singh stepped up in the 51st minute, scoring a rare field goal to break the deadlock and seal the win for India.
The match was a true test of patience and determination for India, as they battled against a resilient Chinese side that frustrated their attacking efforts. Despite the challenges, India’s perseverance paid off, adding another prestigious title to their collection.
In the third-place playoff earlier in the day, Pakistan overcame Korea with a commanding 5-2 win, securing the bronze medal in the six-team tournament.
