India is on a roll in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, aiming to extend their winning streak and claim their fifth title. The defending champions have started strong, defeating China 3-0 and Japan 5-1 in their opening two matches. This comes after India’s recent bronze medal win at the Paris Olympics, where field goal conversion was a concern. Retired legend PR Sreejesh highlighted this issue, emphasizing the need for better open play scoring for future Olympic success.
The current tournament has seen a significant improvement in India’s field goal performance. Out of the eight goals scored, seven came from open play. Young forwards Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, and Uttam Singh have led the charge, showcasing their talent and securing a strong offensive presence. Drag-flicker Sanjay also contributed with a penalty corner conversion against Japan. While captain and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh’s role has been somewhat limited due to the strong forward performance, he remains a key player in the team’s strategy.
In goal, India’s new first-choice goalkeeper, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, has stepped up, conceding only one goal in the tournament so far. Coach has rotated Pathak and Suraj Karkera, each guarding the post for two quarters during the matches.
Currently, India tops the points table with two wins in as many matches, looking in prime form for another title. Their next opponent, Malaysia, who finished as runners-up in the last edition, poses a challenge. However, India’s strong performance and momentum suggest they are well-equipped to overcome this hurdle.
The top four teams from the round-robin league will qualify for the semifinals on September 16th, with the final set for September 17th. With their strong start, India is in a great position to advance and contend for the championship.
