India retain Asian Hockey Champions Trophy title with 1-0 win over China

Decisive moment came in 51st minute when Jugraj Singh scored, allowing the Men in Blue to clinch their fifth title

The Indian hockey team clinched their fifth Asian Hockey Champions Trophy title with a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts China at the picturesque Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir's China Daur Ethnic Park on Tuesday. 

The game began with India pressing forward, while China opted for a half-court press to exploit any defensive lapses. The decisive moment came in the 51st minute when Jugraj Singh scored the lone goal of the match, securing the win and further cementing India's status as the most successful team in the tournament's history.

Despite several attempts from Indian players like Rajkumar, Sukhjeet, Nilakanta, and Raheel, and a missed penalty corner by Harmanpreet, the first quarter ended scoreless. China's GAO Jiesheng also had a penalty corner saved by Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak.

In the second quarter, India tried to break through China's defence, which remained resolute. A penalty corner opportunity for Sukhjeet was thwarted by a post, and a counter-attack by China’s Benhai Chen was stopped by a timely tackle from Jugraj Singh, keeping the game goalless at halftime.

The third quarter saw increased intensity from both sides, with India pressing harder and China countering effectively. Pathak made crucial saves against two penalty corners, maintaining the stalemate. Although India had chances, including a couple of close attempts by Harmanpreet and Abhishek, they couldn’t capitalise until the final quarter.

In the last period, India ramped up their attack. Harmanpreet Singh’s precise pass from the baseline found Jugraj Singh, who expertly placed the ball in the bottom corner of the net to break the deadlock. China responded by pushing forward aggressively, but India controlled the pace and possession to secure their 1-0 victory.