Asian Champions Trophy: All four semifinal teams decided, Japan and South Korea secure spots
All four teams reaching the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey have been decided. After India and Malaysia, Japan and South Korea have also made it to the last four.
The names of the teams reaching the last four of the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament in Punjab have been cleared. After hosts India and Malaysia already booked their places, Japan and South Korea have now also entered the semifinals. With this, China and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the title race.
The last three matches of the league stage are being played today at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar. In these matches, China is facing Bangladesh, Malaysia is playing against Japan, and the Indian team is facing South Korea. Following the results of these games, the final rankings of the teams and the semifinal matchups will be decided.
The South Korean team secured a place in the last four by defeating Bangladesh with a large margin of 5-0, which caused the Bangladeshi team to suffer its fourth consecutive defeat. On the other hand, the match played between Japan and China ended in a 2-2 draw. Due to this draw, China went out of the semifinal race and now a match for the fifth position will be held between China and Bangladesh.
Earlier, the Indian team registered its fourth consecutive success in the tournament by defeating Malaysia 4-2. Captain Harmanpreet Singh completed his hat-trick by scoring three goals and remains the highest goal-scorer in the tournament with eight goals. Sukhjit Singh also added a field goal to India's tally.
According to Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, stepping onto the field on the soil of Punjab in front of home spectators and family members is an emotional and unique experience for the entire team. He shared that he started his hockey from this stadium and captaining the national team here today is a matter of great pride.
The knockout stage of the tournament will be held on November 4 for the semifinals and November 5 for the final at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. Mohali Mayor Sarabjit Singh Samana has announced that the entry for sports lovers will be free during these matches. High officials including Sports Secretary Varun Roojam and Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal have reviewed the necessary arrangements at the stadium.
Key developments
- India, Malaysia, Japan and South Korea reach semifinals
- China and Bangladesh knocked out of title race
- Final three league stage matches underway in Jalandhar
- Knockout matches to be played in Mohali on November 4 and 5
