Punjab Newsline | Jalandhar
India continued its impressive run in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy with a 4-2 victory over Malaysia on the fourth day of the league stage at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the way with a brilliant hat-trick as India registered its fourth consecutive win in the tournament. In the other matches of the day, South Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0, while Japan and China played out a 2-2 draw.
Following these results, all four semi-finalists have been confirmed. India and Malaysia had already secured their places in the last four, while Japan and South Korea joined them after the latest round of matches. However, the final league standings and semi-final pairings will be decided after the last three league matches on November 2. China and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the race for the title.
Harmanpreet Takes Tournament Tally to Eight Goals
The day's final match between India and Malaysia was played in front of a packed crowd at the stadium. The teams were level at 1-1 at half-time, but India stepped up its performance to secure a 4-2 victory.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored three goals, converting two penalty corners and one penalty stroke. Sukhjeet Singh added a शानदार field goal to complete India's tally. Malaysia's goals came from Akhimullah and Shalo Silvarius. With his latest hat-trick, Harmanpreet has taken his tournament tally to eight goals and remains the leading scorer.
China Snatches a Draw Against Japan in Final Seconds
Japan and China played an exciting 2-2 draw in the day's second match. China scored first through Jianlang and maintained its lead for the first three quarters. Japan fought back in the final quarter, with goals from Reiki Fujishima and Yuma Nugai putting the team ahead.
However, China equalised just three seconds before the final whistle when Benhai Chen converted a penalty corner, securing a 2-2 draw. The result ended China's hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
South Korea Cruises Past Bangladesh 5-0
In the opening match of the day, South Korea defeated Bangladesh 5-0 to book its place in the semi-finals. South Korea led 2-0 at half-time, with Dan Sun scoring three goals and Jeong Jun-seong adding two. The defeat marked Bangladesh's fourth consecutive loss in the tournament, confirming its elimination from the semi-final race.
The final three league matches will be played on November 2, featuring China against Bangladesh, Malaysia against Japan, and India against South Korea. These results will determine the final standings and semi-final pairings. The semi-finals are scheduled to take place in Mohali on November 4, while China and Bangladesh will compete for fifth place.
