India Defeats South Korea in Asian Champions Trophy Hockey Opener

India, 11 December 2025 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a commanding victory against South Korea in their opening match of the Asian Champions Trophy, winning 4-1 on home turf in Chennai. The match took place on 10 December 2025, marking a strong start for the hosts in the six-nation tournament.
The Indian team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, dominated the field with goals from Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Lalit Upadhyay. South Korea managed a single goal through Jang Jonghyun, but struggled to overcome India's aggressive play.
The tournament, which features top teams from Asia, is seen as a crucial preparation for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games. India's performance in this championship is particularly significant as it sets the tone for their campaign and offers a chance to assess strategies ahead of larger competitions.
The Asian Champions Trophy is being held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai, a city known for its rich hockey history. With this victory, India has positioned themselves as early contenders for the title, aiming to reclaim the trophy they last won in 2018.
As the tournament progresses, India is set to face Japan next, which will provide another opportunity to fine-tune their strategies and maintain momentum.