Asian Champions Trophy: Mohali hosts first international hockey matches, semis today

After the conclusion of the league stage matches in Jalandhar, the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament has now entered its final phase. International hockey matches are beginning for the first time today at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium located in Phase-9, Mohali.

Three matches will be played today, November 4, on the first day of the knockout round. The day will start at 2 pm with the match between China and Bangladesh for the fifth position. After this, at 4:30 pm, Japan and Malaysia will face each other in the first semi-final.

The second semi-final of the tournament will be held at 7 pm between hosts India and South Korea. Both teams winning today's semi-finals will face each other for the gold medal tomorrow on November 5 at the same venue, while the losing teams will play for the bronze medal.

Entry for spectators to watch the matches in the stadium has been kept completely free. According to the organizers, sports lovers can get digital entry passes through the online website or QR code. The stadium gates will be opened for spectators two hours before the first match. Along with the games, a glimpse of Punjabi culture through 'Sada Pind' and food stalls have also been set up in the stadium complex.

Earlier during the league round in Jalandhar, the Indian team won all its five matches and secured the first position in the points table. India has scored a total of 34 goals so far and captain Harmanpreet Singh remains the tournament's top scorer with 9 goals.

Key developments

• First ever international hockey matches begin at Mohali's Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Stadium
• Japan to clash with Malaysia in the first semi-final at 4:30 pm
• India to face South Korea in the second semi-final at 7 pm
• Facility for spectators to enter the stadium through free digital passes
• Title clash and bronze medal match to be held on November 5