Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: On a rampage

Raj Kumar Pal struck a hat-trick as title-holders India sealed a semifinal spot after thrashing Malaysia 8-1 for their third consecutive win in the Asian Champions Trophy here today. Apart from Raj Kumar (3rd, 25th and 33rd minutes), Araijeet Singh Hundal (6th and 39th), Jugraj Singh (7th), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (22nd) and Uttam Singh (40th) sounded the board for India. For Malaysia, Akhimullah Anuar (34th) managed the solitary strike.

India are currently on top of the standings with nine points. The six-team tournament is being played in a round-robin format and the top four will advance to the semifinals. India had earlier defeated China 3-0 before getting the better of Japan 5-1.

India will take on South Korea tomorrow before finishing their league engagements against arch-rivals Pakistan on Saturday.

The last time India played Malaysia was in the final of the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy. India had trailed 1-3 at half-time before roaring back to eventually register a 4-3 win. This time, India started on the front foot with relentless attacks in the first quarter.

“We want to go all out in every game. That is what we plan in team meetings. We are here to win. Personally, the last two games were not up to the mark, but I’m really happy that I scored today. I am getting my confidence back day by day, and I will do much better in the upcoming games,” said Arajieet, who was named the Player of the Match.

In the other matches of the day, Pakistan beat Japan 2-1, while South Korea edged out China.