India Advances to Men's Hockey Final at Asian Champions Trophy

India, 5 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a spot in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating South Korea 3-2 in a thrilling semifinal match held in Chennai on Thursday. The match, which took place at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, saw India come from behind to clinch victory, showcasing their resilience and tactical acumen.

India initially trailed as South Korea opened the scoring in the first quarter. However, the hosts responded with two quick goals in the second quarter, turning the tide in their favor. India's defense held strong against several Korean attacks in the third quarter, and a decisive goal in the final quarter sealed the win.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian side with a stellar performance, scoring one of the goals. The team's ability to maintain composure under pressure has been a highlight of their campaign in this tournament. The victory marks India's return to the final of the competition after a gap, as they last lifted the trophy in 2021.

The Asian Champions Trophy, a significant event in the field hockey calendar, serves as a crucial platform for Asian teams to compete at a high level. India's progression to the final underscores the team's preparedness for upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Games.

The final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, with India set to face the winner of the second semifinal between Japan and Malaysia. The Indian team aims to capitalize on their home advantage and the support of local fans to secure another title.