IND 8-1 MAS Highlights, Asian Champions Trophy Hockey 2024: Holders India Thrash Malaysia For Hat-Trick Of Wins In China

India are set to clash with Malaysia in their third match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 in China's Hulunbuir. India are favourites in the game but Malaysia are also ready. Who will win this exciting contest? Let's find out.

Players from both teams walk onto the field and stand for the national anthems.

The proceedings begin with Malaysia’s national anthem, followed by India’s — an anthem that gives everyone goosebumps. India are looking more confident than ever.

And we’re as ready as the men in blue! Both teams do their pre-game hurdles and have a quick chat as the game is about to start.

PAL Raj Kumar of India finds the net early on, giving India the lead. We’re now ahead by one goal.

All hail Jugraj Singh. He drags the ball faster than Harmanpreet and capitalizes on the penalty corner, giving India a solid lead. Pakistan players applaud the impressive play from the stands as India looks increasingly promising.

Wow, India earn four penalty corners in quick succession, with the Malaysian side working hard to keep the blues at bay. They’re defending well, as stopping Harmanpreet and his teammates during these crucial opportunities is a daunting task.

The first quarter has ended, and the defending champions played exceptionally well -- technically and swiftly. However, Malaysia made a strong push in the last moments. Will they stage a big comeback?

Okay, there’s a change in goalkeepers for India, as expected. Suraj Karkera is now in goal. It seems India is planning to rotate their players.

Harmanpreet scores India's fourth goal by converting one of the four penalty corners awarded this quarter, making it the ninth PC of the game so far. Sarpanch Sahab delivers once again.

Raj Kumar Pal strikes again with an impressive direct goal, further extending India’s lead. His exceptional performance continues to dominate, showcasing India’s growing advantage. INDIA are roaring with their performance.

We can see that the team has improved their passing game, looking much sharper compared to earlier, especially in their performance at the Paris Olympics 2024.

What a first half. India dominated exceptionally with amazing technical play and strong performance on all fronts, especially in passing. They lead 5-0.

Raj Kumar Pal strikes again, securing his first international hat-trick. What a player. This game will definitely be one to remember. India now got what a lead

Pathak is tightening the claws with those beautiful saves. India set a record-breaking lead, reinforcing belief in their emergence as a super team. Their performance is not only impressive but also boosts confidence in their potential to dominate on the global stage.

Araijeet Singh Hundal, you beauty. What a goal. The Malaysians are under immense pressure but have earned their third penalty corner of the match. Let’s see if they can catch up to India, it's a long road ahead. The Indians are everywhere, dominating the field. And they save this one as well.

The Indian hockey team is roaring, and this time it's Uttam Singh who finds the back of the net. Vivek Sagar Prasad kept the ball in the circle and delivered a perfect pass to Singh, who made it count and added to the score. Green card, once again shown to Indian players, Gurjot Singh will sit out for two minutes.

The third quarter is done and India netted three goals in these 15 minutes, while Malaysia finally opened their account.

Malaysia make a strong attacking move, breaking through the midfield press, but the final shot is missing as India quickly regroups and neutralizes the threat.

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The final hooter blows, sealing an emphatic win for India. An 8-1 thrashing of Malaysia nearly confirms the Men in Blue's spot in the semifinals. Raj Kumar Pal netted a hat-trick, and Araijeet Singh Hundal added a brace, making it a magnificent afternoon for India.

Araijeet Singh Hundal

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Defending champions India mathematically  qualified for the semifinal of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament after thrashing Malaysia 8-1 for their third successive preliminary round win, here on Wednesday. India solidify their top table spot with this victory.

The competition follows a round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals on September 16, leading to the final on September 17.

That’s it for today’s match. India delivered a dominating performance and mathematically secured a semifinal berth. We’ll see you soon with coverage of the next game.