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

India, 2 January 2026 — The Indian men's hockey team has secured a place in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy, following their 3-2 victory against South Korea in a crucial group stage match held in Chennai on Thursday. The match showcased India's resilience and tactical prowess, as they overcame a strong challenge from the South Korean side.

The goals for India were scored by Harmanpreet Singh, who converted a penalty corner, while Mandeep Singh and Akashdeep Singh added to the tally. South Korea managed to score twice, but India's defense held firm, ensuring the win.

This victory places India in a strong position, having earlier defeated Malaysia and China in the tournament. The team is now set to face Japan in the semifinals, scheduled for Saturday.

The Asian Champions Trophy is a significant event in the hockey calendar, serving as a preparatory ground for the Asian Games and other major international tournaments. India, being the host nation, aims to capitalize on home advantage and secure the title.

The tournament features six leading teams from Asia, with the top four progressing to the knockout stage. India's performance so far has been promising, reflecting their preparation and strategic focus ahead of upcoming international challenges.