Asian Champions Trophy 2023: India has won the Asian Champions Trophy by defeating Malaysia by 4-3. The match took place at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, Chennai. This is India’s fourth title, making them the most successful team of the tournament. Meanwhile, this was Malaysia’s first ever finale. At one point, India was trailing by 1-3 but they made a stunning comeback and scored three consecutive goals.
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Action packed finale
The first goal came for India just on the 9th minute as Jugral Singh dragflicked and sailed across the Malaysian Players. However, India’s lead didn’t last for long as Malaysia’s Abu Kamal Azrai squared the ball and took it to the side. On the 18th minute, Malaysia earned a penalty corner opportunity as Fitri Saari intercepted Amit Rohidas’ pass and the ball stroke Sumit’s foot. India challenged the decision, but it was Malaysia who got the goal.
Then, in the second quarter, Malaysia further enhanced their lead on the 28th minute as Aminuddin Muhammad drag-flicked the ball straight on the roof of the net. India got completely on the back-foot after the lead got enhanced by more than 2. For the rest of the match, Malaysia changed their approach and played with defensive approach, ensuring India does not score any more goal.
However, the tides changed completely in during the third quarter’s end. After missing a couple of chances, including penalties, the Indian men made a comeback just when the last minute started. After Sukhjeet tripped into the circle, skipper Harmanpreet Singh made no mistake as he converted the penalty corner into the goal for India. Just 20 seconds later, the ball got passed again and this time Gurjant Singh tapped the ball perfectly and gave India their third goal. Resulting in India getting two goals within a mere 35 seconds.
After a intense battle in the fourth quarter of several chances, Akashdeep scored fourth goal for India in the 56th minute, ultimately, giving India the lead.
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India’s shiny performance at Asian Champions Trophy 2023
Remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, India emerged as the table-toppers. Their victories encompassed triumphs over China, Malaysia, South Korea, and traditional rivals Pakistan, with a draw against Japan. The semifinals witnessed a resounding 5-0 victory against Japan, marking India’s entry into the final. Notably, Japan, reigning champions in men’s hockey at the Asian Games, succumbed to India’s prowess. On the other hand, Malaysia advanced to their inaugural final by overpowering defending champions Korea 6-2 in the semifinals.
India: Krishan Bahadur Pathak, Varun Kumar, Jarmanpreet Singh, Manpreet Singh, Hardik Singh, Gurjant Singh, Mandeep Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Sumit, Shamsher Singh, Akashdeep Singh.
Malaysia: Hafizuddin Othman, Mujahir Abdu, Marhan Jalil, Ashran Hamsami, Faizal Saari, Razie Rahim, Faiz Jali, Azuan Hasan, Abu Kamal Azrai, Najmi Jazlan, Amirul Azahar.
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