In a nail-biting finale, India secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over China to claim the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 title. Jugraj Singh’s lone goal in the fourth quarter sealed India’s triumph at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir, China, on September 17. With this win, India extended their dominance in the tournament, capturing a record fifth title and successfully defending their crown from the previous edition.
A Hard-Fought Encounter
The final saw India, ranked fifth in the world, take on a determined Chinese side making their first-ever appearance in the Asian Champions Trophy final. Despite being underdogs, China put up a resolute defense, holding off India’s attacks for most of the match. The first two quarters ended in a goalless stalemate as China’s goalkeeper, Wang Weihao, made crucial saves to keep the Indian forwards at bay.
India, coached by Craig Fulton, controlled much of the game but struggled to find the finishing touch. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, a key player for India throughout the tournament, threatened to score from penalty corners but was unable to convert. Frustration built as the match wore on, with China creating a few chances of their own, but the Indian defense, led by Amit Rohidas, stood firm.
Jugraj’s Heroics
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when Jugraj Singh capitalized on a pass from Harmanpreet Singh, slotting home from close range. The goal sparked wild celebrations from the Indian team and fans alike, as the Men in Blue inched closer to another title. Despite China pulling out all the stops in the dying minutes of the game, including replacing their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player, they were unable to equalize.
India’s disciplined defense held firm, and the final whistle confirmed their 1-0 victory. Harmanpreet, who finished the tournament with seven goals, was named the Player of the Tournament, while China’s Wang Caiyu received the Best Goalkeeper award for his outstanding performances.
India’s Road to Glory
India’s journey to the final was nothing short of dominant. They secured convincing victories in the group stages, including a 3-0 win over China in their first encounter. In the semi-finals, India overpowered South Korea with a 4-1 win, while China edged out Pakistan in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The win over China in the final marks India’s sixth appearance in the Asian Champions Trophy final. The Indian team continues to lead the tournament’s history books with five championships, having previously won in 2011, 2016, 2018 (shared with Pakistan), 2023, and now in 2024.
What’s Next for Indian Hockey?
India’s victory in Hulunbuir is a testament to their growing dominance in Asian hockey and sets a strong foundation as they prepare for upcoming international tournaments. With a young, dynamic squad led by the experienced Harmanpreet Singh, the future of Indian hockey looks promising.
Credit: This article is based on information from Olympics.com and ABP Live.
Summary:
- India won their fifth Asian Champions Trophy title by defeating China 1-0 in the final.
- Jugraj Singh scored the only goal of the match in the 51st minute.
- India controlled the match, but China’s defense kept them scoreless until the fourth quarter.
- Harmanpreet Singh was named Player of the Tournament, while China’s Wang Caiyu was awarded Best Goalkeeper.