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New Delhi, September 17 (HS). The Indian men's hockey team retained the Asian Champions Trophy title by defeating China on Tuesday. Jugraj Singh scored the only goal of the match in the fourth quarter. In the 51st minute of the match, after receiving a brilliant pass from captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj made a great move and put India ahead 1-0 and in the end this score proved to be decisive. This title comes after India won the bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
India and China faced each other in the first match of the tournament and India easily won the match 3-0. Harmanpreet Singh and Co. came into this match as strong contenders, but the host team was not ready to give up without a fight.
The match started with China trying to put pressure on the Indian defence. This was evident in the first game between these two teams in the tournament, when China tried to break India on the counter.
India got their first real chance early in the first quarter when Sukhjeet unleashed a superb shot which was well saved by the Chinese goalkeeper.
The first PC for India came in the 9th minute and it was well stopped by the Chinese defence. India got another chance and this time Harmanpreet was wide of the target.
The second quarter was a confusing one for most of the day as China kept India in check, with India getting a big chance in the 27th minute when Harmanpreet made the most of a misplaced PC but the ball hit the post. Soon after, India were awarded an early penalty stroke but once again failed to convert it. The two teams remained goalless till half-time.
In the third quarter, India made some great attacks in the D but the Chinese defence stood firm. China got a few PCs but the Indian defence kept them in check.
There was pressure from India, but China maintained their dominance and the game reached the final quarter.
India started the quarter by building pressure and finally the Indian team got success in the 51st minute. Harmanpreet made a great move in the D and passed the ball to Jugraj, who made no mistake in putting the ball into the goal post. India took a 1-0 lead.
China now had to be cautious and try to put pressure on India. They even put a flying goalkeeper on the field in search of a goal. However, the Indian defence was too strong in the end and India eventually won 1-0.
India won the title for the fifth and second consecutive time
By defeating China, India won the Asian title for the record fifth time and second time in a row. The Indian team performed brilliantly in the tournament and scored 25 goals and conceded only five goals. India had secured a place in the final by defeating Korea 4-1 in the semi-finals.
Captain Harmanpreet scored seven goals in the tournament
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh performed brilliantly in the tournament by scoring seven goals, the captain also played an important role in the goal scored by Jugraj in the final.