They waited and waited. Three quarters and counting, India were yet to breach the resolute Chinese defence in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 hockey final. In the end, it was defender Jugraj Singh who conjured a rare field goal to take the defending champions over the line in a tense summit clash in Hulunbuir, China on Tuesday (September 17, 2024). (Highlights | More Hockey News)
In an unexpectedly intense final, China kept the Indian attack waves at bay for majority of the duration, and it was in the 51st minute that penalty corner specialist Jugraj slotted home the one and only goal of the game to win it for Harmanpreet Singh's men.
India, the most successful team in the competition, now have five titles, including back-to-back triumphs in 2023 and 2024. The victory adds to their bronze medal secured at the Paris Olympic Games last month.
The fifth-ranked India were dominant in the opening quarter against China, who are world number 23. Harmanpreet repeatedly threatened to score from penalty corners but could not convert even once in the title round. China’s goalkeeper Wang Weihao did an outstanding job under the bar as he denied Manpreet Singh and Nilakanta Sharma from close range in the dying minutes of the first quarter.
Nevertheless, the Craig Fulton-coached India stayed in control in the second quarter but still could not take the lead. Harmanpreet shot wide from a penalty corner and on his next attempt, unluckily hit the post as both sides remained goalless at half time.
The third quarter saw China gain ascendance with their midfield work-rate helping them bag three penalty corners, but the Indian defence, spearheaded by first rusher Amit Rohidas, stood tall each time.
With just nine minutes remaining, Jugraj scored his second goal of the tournament to break the deadlock and put India ahead decisively. Harmanpreet set up the chance with a purposeful run through the left of China’s D.
The hosts tried to bounce back in the last few minutes but were unable to find a way past the Indian defence.
Harmanpreet ended up as India’s leading goal-scorer at the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 with seven goals: two field goals and five penalty corner conversions. He finished second in the overall tally behind South Korea’s Yang Jihun, who was the standout performer with nine goals.
India were competing in their sixth Asian Champions Trophy hockey final out of the eight editions held thus far. China, on the other hand, were making their first-ever appearance in the final.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan beat South Korea 5-2 to clinch the bronze medal. China had done exceedingly well in the semi-finals to upset Pakistan and book a momentous meeting with the mighty India.
