Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: Japan and Malaysia Also Win

Jalandhar, October 29: The Asian Hockey Champions Trophy produced a day full of drama on Thursday as three matches were played at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. Hosts India scored a major win over China, while Japan and Malaysia also collected victories in their games.

India dominated the headline clash against China, winning 5-2. Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian captain, delivered a standout performance with two penalty corner goals in the 27th and 31st minutes. Sukhjit Singh chipped in with two field goals in the 12th and 34th minutes, and Jugraj Singh scored from a penalty corner in the 47th minute.

China found the net through Peng Yang in the 26th minute and Chongkong Chen in the 36th minute, a penalty corner conversion.

Punjab Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian attended the India-China fixture and spent time with players from both teams. He said the state had been granted the right to host the prestigious Asian Champions Trophy due to the ongoing efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann.

Referring to Punjab as the hockey powerhouse of the country, Khuddian stated that the state government was committed to making the tournament a major achievement.

In a separate fixture, Japan were tested by Bangladesh but managed a 1-0 win. Reiki Fujishima's penalty corner conversion in the 40th minute proved decisive.

Earlier, Malaysia overcame South Korea 3-1. Azimuddin Kamaruddin opened the scoring with a field goal in the 10th minute. Song Hye-seong's field goal in the 31st minute drew South Korea level. Malaysia then struck back as Mohammad Akhimullah Anuar Eusoff converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute, and Faisal Bin Sari netted the decisive third goal in the 50th minute to finish the match 3-1.