India Dominates South Korea 8-0 in Final League Match of Asian Champions Trophy

Jalandhar, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian men’s hockey team delivered a commanding performance on November 2, 2026, defeating South Korea 8-0 in their final league match of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy in Jalandhar. This victory marked India’s fifth straight win, leaving them unbeaten in the league phase.

Dillpreet Singh was a standout player, scoring two goals at the 8th and 40th minutes. Other contributors included Jugraj Singh (11′), Harmanpreet Singh (15′), Shilanand Lakra (33′), Sukjeet Singh (34′), Sanjay (36′), and Angad Bir Singh (60′), each netting a goal. With this win, India topped the points table with a perfect record, while South Korea, despite the loss, secured fourth place with six points and will face India again in the semifinals.

In the semifinals, Japan, who finished second, will compete against Malaysia, who claimed third place. These crucial matches are scheduled for November 4, with medal matches to follow on November 5.

The match at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium began with India on the offensive. Sukjeet created an opportunity in the fourth minute, but South Korean goalkeeper Kim Je-hyeon made a save. In the eighth minute, Dillpreet opened the scoring with a backhand shot, assisted by Jugraj’s aerial pass. By the 11th minute, India doubled their lead through a penalty corner, with Jugraj scoring after a rebound from Harmanpreet’s initial attempt.

Harmanpreet added another penalty corner goal in the 15th minute, giving India a 3-0 lead at halftime. He now leads the tournament with nine goals.

In the second quarter, South Korea improved their game, earning several penalty corners. However, the Indian defense held firm, with goalkeeper Pathak making a crucial save against Son Dan in a one-on-one situation. Despite opportunities for both teams, India maintained their three-goal advantage at the break.

After halftime, India intensified their attack, scoring four more goals in the third quarter. Lakra found the net in the 33rd minute from a penalty corner variation, followed by Sukjeet deflecting a pass from Aditya into the net just a minute later. Sanjay added another goal in the 36th minute, reacting quickly to a saved shot. Dillpreet then scored again in the 40th minute, extending the lead to 7-0.

In the final quarter, India slowed the pace, but South Korea struggled to create clear chances. Suraj Khera made a solid defensive play, and South Korea failed to capitalize on a penalty corner in the 58th minute. Angad Bir Singh capped off the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in the 60th minute, securing the 8-0 victory. South Korea earned one last penalty corner, but could not convert.

Throughout the round-robin stage, India showcased their offensive prowess, scoring a total of 34 goals while conceding just five. They finished with 15 points and a goal difference of +29, leading the standings, followed by Japan with 10 points and Malaysia with nine.