India Retains Asian Champions Trophy Title with Victory Over China.

Posted 1 days ago

Defending champions India edged out China 1-0 to secure their fifth Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey title in Hulunbuir on Tuesday.

The favorites, including Paris Olympics bronze medallists, struggled to breach the Chinese defense for three quarters.

It was defender Jugraj Singh who finally secured the win with a rare field goal in the 51st minute, earning his team the title.

Earlier, Pakistan beat Korea 5-2 to take third place in the tournament. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh, named Player of the Match, scored 7 goals in 7 matches and assisted Jugraj Singh's winning goal against China.

This victory marks the team’s fourth major win under coach Craig Fulton, who has led them to triumphs including the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy, the 2022 Asian Games gold medal, and bronze at the Paris Olympics.

Since taking over as head coach in March 2023, the 49-year-old former South African player has guided the team to significant successes.

Hockey India celebrated the win by announcing cash rewards for the squad. Each player will receive ₹3 lakh, while support staff will get ₹1.5 lakh each.