China : aIndia has won the final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, beating China by 1-0 goals at Moqi, China.
Jugraj Singh (51’) scored the only goal in a tightly contested game to complete their title defence and make India the most successful team in the competition with five titles.
As both teams were attempting to find their rhythm in the Final, Vivek forced his way into the circle and passed to Sukhjeet whose ambitious shot from between his legs forced Chinese goalkeeper Wang Weihao into action early in the game. India looked to peg China back and probe for openings in the first quarter while China employed a half court press in hopes of hitting India while they are light on defence.
India looked to peg China back and probe for openings in the first quarter while China employed a half court press in hopes of hitting India while they are light on defence.
Rajkumar, Sukhjeet, Nilakanta and Raheel went on to test the keeper while Hamrnapreet flicked wide of the post from a penalty corner in the coming minutes. China earned a penalty corner of their own towards the end of the quarter but Jiesheng Gao’s flick was saved by Krishan Pathak in goal.
India slowed down the tempo of the game, patiently looking for a chink in China’s defence in the second quarter but China was up to the test, tracking every run, blocking passing angles and smothering the Indian offence. Sukhjeet, with three minutes left for half time, earned a penalty corner but Harmanpreet’s shot bounced off the post. China’s Benhai Chen looked to score on the counter with a minute left but Jugraj Singh executed a brilliantly timed slide tackle to ensure the first half remained goalless.
Pakistan has secured third position in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy beating South Korea by 5-2 goals at the same venue.