India beat China to claim fifth Asian Champions Trophy title
The Indian men's hockey team successfully defended its title at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over hosts China in the final on September 17. The Indian team showcased their superior skills and strategy throughout the game, dominating the early stages with a fluid passing tempo and maintaining control over most of the possession. Jugraj Singh's late goal handed India their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title.
China's resilience was on display in first half
Despite India's early dominance, the Chinese team displayed remarkable resilience. Their goalkeeper thwarted multiple attempts by the Indian side, preventing them from taking a significant lead by the end of the second quarter. Post half-time, China responded with aggressive tactics to draw first blood. They carried an offensive approach that brought them close to scoring a goal.
Jugraj Singh's decisive goal
The turning point of the match came in the fourth quarter when Jugraj Singh scored a field goal for India. This decisive moment allowed India to finally penetrate China's defense, often referred to as the "Great Wall of China." Singh's goal not only secured India's victory but also ensured their successful defense of the Asian Champions Trophy title.
India's fifth Asian Champions Trophy honor
As mentioned, India have secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title. They previously won the prestigious Asian tournament in 2011, 2016, 2018, and 2023. Pakistan remain the only other side with multiple such titles - 3 (2012, 2013, and 2018). Notably, India and Pakistan were declared joint-winners in 2018.
