ISLAMABAD: Pakistan continued their unbeaten run in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy with an impressive 5-1 win against China at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir (China) Thursday.
With the win, Pakistan have qualified for the semi-finals and are almost certain not to clash with India in the semi-final. Pakistan and India, however, will be pitted against each other in the league match to be played tomorrow (Saturday) before the semis scheduled for Monday.
Pakistan’s impressive win against the host nation saw them moving up to second place in the standings. Ahmed Nadeem (36’, 56’) and Hannan Shahid (46’, 60’) led Pakistan’s charge, each scoring twice.
Pakistan weathered an early surge from the hosts, who created several scoring opportunities but failed to capitalise, missing two early penalty corners in the process. Abdul Rehman (23’) opened the scoring for Pakistan, and Nadeem and Shahid’s clinical finishing sealed a comprehensive victory.
Despite a late goal from China’s Jiesheng Gao (48’), Pakistan’s defense remained unshaken. Hero of the Match, Hannan Shahid, praised his teammates saying: “It’s a collective effort. We are learning with each match and today we showed discipline by conceding fewer cards.”
In day’s other match, Malaysia’s determination to make it to the last four was evident as they secured a hard-fought 5-4 win over Japan, climbing to fourth on the points table. With goals from Syed Cholan (12’, 40’), Norsyafiq Sumantri (21’), Syarman Mat (47’), and Kamal Abu Azrai (48’). Malaysia held off a resilient Japanese side to snatch a draw. Hero of the Match, Aiman Rozemi, expressed the team’s resolve: “After our 1-8 loss to India, we knew we had to come together as a unit. I’m proud of our fight today.”
Japan, fresh out of Sultan Azlan Shah Cup victory, responded with a valiant effort, including goals from Ken Nagayoshi (24’, 28’) and Kazumasa Matsumoto (51’). Despite Japan’s late push, Malaysia’s defense held firm to secure the win.
Defending champions India extended their unbeaten run with a solid 3-1 victory over Korea, courtesy of goals from Araijeet Singh Hundal (8’) and skipper Harmanpreet Singh (9’, 43’), who surpassed 200 international goals during the match.
The win cemented India’s place at the top of the points table, keeping their momentum heading into the semi-finals. “Korea are a strong team, but our mantra today was to defend well,” said India’s Hero of the Match, Suraj Karkera, whose goalkeeping was pivotal in securing the win.
Korea fought back with a goal by Jihun Yang (30’) but couldn’t break down India’s disciplined defense. Harmanpreet’s powerful drag flick in the third quarter gave India a commanding lead, while Korea struggled to find the net despite several attempts.
With one day remaining in the league stage, India lead the table, followed by Pakistan, Korea, and Malaysia. The race for semi-final spots heats up as the teams prepare for their final pool-stage matches, promising more electrifying action in the Hero Asian Champions Trophy.