Indian Men's Hockey Team Begins Campaign at Asian Champions Trophy

India, 15 December 2025 — The Indian men's hockey team commenced their campaign in the Asian Champions Trophy with a promising start against South Korea in Chennai. The tournament, which kicked off on December 14, 2025, sees India aiming to reclaim the title they last won in 2021. The Indian team, led by captain Manpreet Singh, is considered one of the favorites in the competition.

In their opening match, India put on a strong performance against South Korea, showcasing their tactical prowess and skill. The match ended in a 3-2 victory for India, with goals scored by Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay. The tournament, a key event in Asian hockey, features top teams from the continent and serves as a preparatory ground for the upcoming Olympics.

India's head coach, Graham Reid, expressed satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining momentum throughout the tournament. He noted that while the victory was a positive start, the team needs to focus on consistency and improvement in upcoming matches.

The Asian Champions Trophy is being held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, marking an important international sports event hosted in India. The tournament will run until December 24, 2025, and includes teams from Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, and China, apart from India and South Korea.

With their sights set on the trophy, the Indian team will next face Japan on December 16, 2025. The team aims to build on their initial success and continue their winning streak as they progress through the group stages.