India Storm into Asian Champions Trophy Final with Thumping 8–1 Victory over South Korea
Mohali, November 4: The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a sensational performance to storm into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, defeating South Korea 8–1 in a one-sided semifinal at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday.
The defending champions showcased their attacking brilliance, tactical discipline and remarkable teamwork to secure a record-extending seventh appearance in the tournament’s final. With this emphatic victory, India continued their unbeaten run and strengthened their position as favourites to lift the prestigious continental title.
India Dominate from the Opening Whistle
India started the semifinal with tremendous energy and attacking intent. Shilanand Lakra opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a brilliant field goal, giving the hosts an early advantage.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh doubled India’s lead in the ninth minute through a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner. South Korea responded quickly, with Sangjun Han scoring in the same minute to reduce the deficit to 2–1.
However, the Indian team refused to let the opposition gain momentum. Lakra scored his second goal in the 13th minute, restoring India’s two-goal cushion and giving the hosts a 3–1 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Goal Rush in the Second Quarter
India intensified their attacking pressure in the second quarter, leaving South Korea struggling to contain the relentless offensive movement.
Sukhjeet Singh found the back of the net in the 21st minute, followed by Dilpreet Singh, who scored in the same minute. Dilpreet struck again in the 25th minute to complete his brace and extend India’s lead to a commanding 6–1.
The Indian forwards displayed excellent coordination, precision passing and clinical finishing, while the midfield maintained control of possession and created numerous scoring opportunities.
By halftime, India had established a comfortable five-goal advantage, effectively putting the semifinal beyond South Korea’s reach.
India Seal an Emphatic Victory
The Indian team maintained its dominance in the second half, continuing to press forward while keeping South Korea’s attacking threats under control.
Angad Bir Singh scored India’s seventh goal in the 36th minute, further extending the hosts’ advantage.
Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the scoring in the 54th minute with a brilliant finish, sealing an unforgettable 8–1 victory for India.
Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh emerged as the standout performers, scoring two goals each. Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad also contributed to India’s impressive goal tally.
India Set Up Final Clash Against Japan
Earlier in the day, Japan secured their place in the final after defeating Malaysia 5–3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
India will now face Japan in the final on November 5, with the hosts aiming to secure their sixth Asian Champions Trophy title.
India had already defeated South Korea 8–0 during the league stage, and their second consecutive emphatic victory over the Korean side underlined their superiority throughout the tournament.
With an unbeaten record, a powerful attacking lineup and tremendous support from the home crowd, India will enter the final with confidence and determination.
The Indian team will now look to finish its impressive campaign on a high and add another prestigious trophy to its growing collection of international hockey honours.