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

India, 20 December 2025 — The Indian men's hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Champions Trophy after defeating Japan 4-2 in a crucial match held in Chennai on Thursday. The victory was powered by stellar performances from captain Manpreet Singh and forward Mandeep Singh, who scored two goals each.
The match, held at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium, saw India dominate from the start, maintaining possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Japan, however, put up a resilient fight with goals from Kenta Tanaka and Koji Yamasaki.
This win marks India's third consecutive victory in the ongoing tournament, further solidifying their position as strong contenders for the title. The team has shown consistent form and strategic play under the guidance of coach Graham Reid.
The Asian Champions Trophy serves as a significant platform for the Indian team ahead of the upcoming Olympic qualifiers. The tournament not only provides international exposure but also allows the team to test their skills against some of Asia's best teams.
India will face South Korea in the semi-final match scheduled for Saturday. The outcome of this match will determine their chances of advancing to the final and potentially clinching the trophy.