With an unbeaten run so far, India is set to clash with Korea in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy.
The Indian hockey team, riding high on confidence after a string of impressive victories, will take on Korea in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) on Monday. The team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, has been in spectacular form, winning all five of their league matches without a single loss. After securing a bronze at the Paris Olympics, India looks like a strong contender for the ACT title this year.
India started the tournament with a 3-0 win over host China, setting the tone for a dominant performance. The team followed up with an impressive 5-1 victory against Japan and an 8-1 win over Malaysia. Their 3-1 win against Korea and a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Pakistan ensured their place at the top of the leaderboard.
India’s Strikers Shine in the League Stages
One of the highlights of India’s performance has been the exceptional play of their young strikers. Players like Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Arijit Singh Hundal have all stepped up to score key goals. This young group has been critical in addressing concerns about field goals, an issue that plagued India during the Paris Olympics. Additionally, midfielder Raj Kumar Pal contributed significantly with his attacking play.
Midfield and Defense Stand Strong
India’s midfield, led by experienced players like Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Neelkant Sharma, has been highly effective in controlling the game. The team has managed to keep its structure intact, giving the forwards ample support while covering the defensive gaps.
The defense has also been rock-solid, conceding just four goals across five matches. Goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera have filled the gap left by the legendary PR Sreejesh, ensuring that the team remains well-protected at the back.
Penalty Corner Strength: Harmanpreet and Jugraj Impress
India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh continues to be a force to reckon with. Known as one of the world’s best drag-flickers, he has converted five penalty corners into goals during this tournament. His efforts have been well-supported by Jugraj Singh, whose blistering speed has made him the fastest drag-flicker in the world.
Korea: A Tough Semi-Final Opponent
Despite India’s dominance, they cannot afford to take Korea lightly in the semi-finals. Korea, a resilient team, managed a last-minute equalizer against Malaysia in a thrilling 3-3 draw, keeping their semi-final hopes alive. India will also have to be wary of Jihun Yang, Korea’s top drag-flicker and the tournament’s leading scorer with seven goals.
