India Advances to Men's Hockey Semifinals in Asian Champions Trophy

India, 3 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a place in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating South Korea 5-3 in Chennai on Tuesday. Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian captain, led the charge with two goals, while forwards Mandeep Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay each added to the scoreline.
The match, held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, saw India dominate in the initial quarters, building a strong 4-1 lead by halftime. South Korea attempted a comeback in the second half but was unable to close the gap significantly. India's defense, led by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, played a crucial role in maintaining the lead.
The win ensures India's advancement to the semifinals of the tournament, which serves as a key preparatory event ahead of the Asian Games later this year. The team's performance has been impressive throughout the tournament, showcasing their potential and readiness for future international competitions.
India will next face Malaysia in the semifinals on Thursday. The team is optimistic about maintaining their winning momentum and earning a spot in the finals. The Asian Champions Trophy is seen as a critical platform for Indian players to gain international exposure and experience.
As the host nation, India's progress in the tournament has garnered significant attention and support from fans and sports enthusiasts. The upcoming semifinal match is highly anticipated, with expectations high for India to continue their strong performance.