India to face South Korea in Asian Champions Trophy semifinals, Pakistan up against hosts China
After emerging through the pool stages unbeaten, the Indian men's hockey team will face South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday, September 16. The Indians, who earned 15 points from five games, finished atop the points table following a 2-1 win over Pakistan on Saturday, September 14.
The Indians are looking to defend their Asian Champions Trophy title which they won in Chennai last year while also seeking a record-extending fifth tournament win.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will face China in the other semifinal at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir.
The Indian men's hockey team, who clinched a second successive bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, have carried their winning momentum into the Asian Champions Trophy.
Craig Fulton's team began the tournament in style, beating hosts China 3-0 before demolishing Japan 5-1. A thumping 8-1 win over Malaysia was followed by a clinical 3-1 victory against South Korea.
For the first time in the competition, the Indians were on the back foot for a while against arch-rivals Pakistan, who took the lead. But they were unable to stop Harmanpreet Singh's drag-flicks.
The Indian captain scored a brace to ensure his side emerged victorious by a 2-1 margin ahead of the knock-outs.
What lies ahead for India and Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy semifinals
India and Pakistan will begin their respective knockout encounters as the favorites after registering wins against their semifinal opponents in the pool phase.
Hannan Shahid and Nadeem Ahmad scored a couple of goals each to help Pakistan come away with a 5-1 win against China on Thursday, September 12.
While Pakistan will hope for a repeat of the same result in the semifinals, they need to stop Gao Jeisheng's drag flicks and ensure they remain disciplined.
Sufyan Khan and Ashraf Waheed Rana both picked up yellow cards against India. Rana's 10-minute suspension in the 50th minute blunted Pakistan's ability to commit players into attack just when they pressed hard for the equalizer against India.
Meanwhile, South Korea, who attempted to defend in numbers against India, were unsuccessful following two back-to-back goals in the opening quarter.
Even so, the Koreans were very much in the contest until Harmanpreet Singh scored a third goal for India which sealed the deal for the Olympic bronze medalists.
The Indians will fancy their chances against Korea on Monday while being aware of the importance of not conceding early goals against a side that prioritizes defense over attack.
The final of the Asian Champions Trophy will be played on Tuesday, September 17.