Indian Men's Hockey Team Advances to Semi-Finals of Asian Champions Trophy

India, 14 December 2025 — The Indian men's hockey team has secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy after a decisive victory against Japan. The match, held on 13 December in Chennai, saw India triumph with a 4-1 scoreline. Forward Lalit Upadhyay was instrumental in the win, scoring two goals, while Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh added to the tally.

The victory ensures India's progression in the tournament, where they will face South Korea in the semi-finals. The match between India and South Korea is scheduled for 16 December in Chennai. The Asian Champions Trophy serves as a crucial platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

India's performance in the group stage has been consistent, with the team showcasing strong defensive and offensive plays. The win over Japan marks their third consecutive victory in the tournament, reflecting the team's robust preparation and execution.

Coach Graham Reid expressed confidence in his team's abilities, stating, "The players have shown great resilience and skill throughout the tournament. We are looking forward to maintaining this momentum in the semi-finals." The Indian team is aiming to reclaim the title, having last won the Asian Champions Trophy in 2018.