India storm into semifinals of Asian Champions Trophy with 8-1 victory over Malaysia

HULUNBUIR,China: Defending champions India secured their place in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament after a commanding 8-1 win against Malaysia in Hulunbuir on Wednesday. India’s third consecutive victory in the preliminary round was highlighted by Raj Kumar Pal’s hat-trick, with goals in the 3rd, 25th, and 33rd minutes. Araijeet Singh Hundal added two more in the 6th and 39th minutes, while Jugraj Singh (7th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (22nd minute), and Uttam Singh (40th minute) also found the net.

Malaysia’s sole goal came from Akhimullah Anuar in the 34th minute. With this win, India now tops the standings with nine points from three matches in the six-team round-robin format. The top four teams will advance to the semifinals on September 16, followed by the final on September 17.