India’s men’s field hockey side continued their unbeaten run in the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy on Saturday, October 29, by overwhelming China 5-2 at the Jalandhar stadium. The defending champions, who entered the match having won their opening game, reclaimed the top spot in the round‑robin table and set up a high‑stakes encounter with unbeaten Japan the following day.
Match overview
The contest began with India asserting early pressure, though the opening quarter ended without a breakthrough. The deadlock was finally broken in the 13th minute when forward Sukhjeet Singh lifted a well‑timed pass over the Chinese goalkeeper, giving the home crowd a first lead. China responded quickly, equalising in the 26th minute when Peng Yang converted a penalty corner, exploiting a defensive lapse. Just a minute later, captain Harmanpreet Singh restored India’s advantage with a powerful strike from the penalty corner spot.
The second half saw India surge forward. Harmanpreet added his second goal in the 31st minute, again from a set‑piece, extending the lead. Four minutes later Sukhjeet completed his brace, finding the net after a swift move down the left flank. China managed to pull one back in the 36th minute through Chongcong Chen, who scored from a penalty corner after a deflection confused the Indian defense. The final goal came in the 47th minute when Jugraj Singh finished a counter‑attack, sealing a 5‑2 victory for India.
Throughout the match, India dominated possession and generated the majority of circle penetrations, while China relied on quick counters and set‑piece opportunities. The Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made several routine saves, and the defensive unit, despite conceding two penalty corners, limited China to just two goals.
Key performances
Harmanpreet Singh, who captains the side, was instrumental both as a scorer and as a playmaker. His two goals, both from penalty corners, highlighted India’s proficiency in set‑piece execution. Sukhjeet Singh mirrored this impact, also netting twice, the first from open play and the second from a well‑crafted move on the left wing. Their combined eight points on the scoresheet underscored the depth of India’s attacking options.
Jugraj Singh, who had not featured on the scoresheet in the opening match, contributed the fifth goal, showcasing the team’s ability to involve multiple forwards. Midfield duties were handled by Hardik Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad and Nilakanta Sharma, who linked the defense with the attack after the injury‑forced absence of veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh. Their coordination helped maintain control in the central zones, limiting China’s ability to build sustained pressure.
On the Chinese side, Chongcong Chen’s goal from a penalty corner was a bright spot, and Peng Yang’s conversion earlier kept the match competitive for a spell. Goalkeeper Huanyu Wu produced a notable save in the 21st minute, denying Harmanpreet, but could not prevent the subsequent goals.
Implications for the tournament
With the win, India moved back to the summit of the group standings, positioning themselves for a decisive showdown with Japan, who have remained unbeaten in their opening fixture. Coach Fulton will have the task of rotating the squad, as some senior players were rested after the victory, to keep the team fresh for the upcoming clash.
The match also highlighted India’s set‑piece strength; they scored four of their five goals from penalty corners, a statistic that could prove decisive in tighter games. Conversely, China’s reliance on counter‑attacks and penalty corners suggests they will need to diversify their attacking approach if they hope to progress.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s next round‑robin fixtures will determine the semi‑final line‑up. India’s ability to maintain their defensive solidity while continuing to exploit set‑piece opportunities will be crucial as they aim to defend their title against a motivated Japanese side.
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