Unbeaten India will take on South Korea in the semi-finals of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy on Wednesday, November 4, as the tournament moves to Mohali for its knockout stage following the conclusion of the league phase in Jalandhar.
India, who won all five of their league matches, finished at the top of the standings and will be aiming to extend their impressive run and book a place in the November 5 final.
The second semi-final, featuring India and South Korea, will begin at 7 pm at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium. Earlier, Japan will face Malaysia in the first semi-final at 4.30 pm, while China and Bangladesh will meet in the classification match for fifth place at 2 pm.
The shift to Mohali will also mark a significant milestone for Punjab hockey, with the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior Hockey Stadium set to host its first-ever international hockey match.
Japan finished second in the league standings, followed by Malaysia, South Korea, China and Bangladesh.
India have been the dominant side in the tournament, scoring 34 goals in five matches. Captain Harmanpreet Singh has led from the front, emerging as the leading scorer with nine goals. Malaysia’s Abu Kamal Azrai is second on the list with five goals.
India’s Dilpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh and China’s Benhai Chen have scored four goals each, while Mandeep Singh, Abhishek and Jugraj Singh have contributed three goals apiece.
India will also be looking to strengthen their remarkable record in the competition. The country has featured in six finals across the eight editions held so far, winning the title five times, including once as joint champions, and finishing runners-up once.
South Korea have won the tournament once, while Japan have reached the final twice and Malaysia once. Japan have finished runners-up on both occasions.
With a place in the final at stake, India will face a familiar challenge against South Korea, while Japan and Malaysia will battle for the other spot in the title clash.
The two losing semi-finalists will contest the bronze medal match, while the tournament champions will be crowned in Mohali on November 5.
The Hero Asian Champions Trophy began on October 27 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, marking the first time Punjab has hosted the international tournament.
