The Indian men’s hockey team, fresh off a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, continued its impressive run by claiming the Asian Champions Trophy title in Moqi, China. This victory marks the team’s consistent growth under coach Craig Fulton, who took over after the 2023 World Cup.
The team’s journey began with a successful title defense at the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, a testament to their dedication and skill. They had already secured gold at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, one of the qualifying events for the Paris Olympics. This recent victory, coupled with their Olympic bronze, highlights the growing gap between India and other Asian hockey nations.
For the Asian Champions Trophy, coach Fulton chose to rest several key players from the Olympic squad, opting to give new faces a chance to shine. The team’s core remained strong, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, who continued to inspire with his leadership and goal-scoring prowess.
India’s dominance was evident in the league stage, where they swept aside China, Japan, and Malaysia. Their match against Korea proved to be a tougher test, with Korea displaying resilience and impressive ball possession. However, India ultimately emerged victorious, securing their place at the top of the league table.
The final against host nation China was a tense affair. China employed a low block strategy to frustrate India, but Harmanpreet’s incisive run and a well-placed shot from Jugraj Singh sealed the victory for India. This 1-0 victory marked India’s fifth Asian Champions Trophy title, solidifying their position as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.
While Harmanpreet was the leading scorer with seven goals, the team benefited from a collective effort, with several players contributing significantly to the success. The defense, led by Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera, remained steadfast, conceding only five goals throughout the tournament.
Looking ahead, coach Fulton acknowledged the need for more international experience for younger players. With the FIH Pro League, the Asia Cup, and the World Cup on the horizon, India has set its sights on continued success in the coming years. This recent triumph in China serves as a strong foundation for their future ambitions.
