Harmanpreet Singh strikes twice as clinical India march into Asian Champions Trophy final | Hockey News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a twin-strike as the Indian hockey team advanced to the final of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy with a clinical 4-1 victory against South Korea on Monday.
The second semi-final in Hulunbuir, China saw India scoring through Uttam Singh (13th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (19th, 45th), and Jarmanpreet Singh (32nd).
Korea’s only goal was by Yang Jihun in the 33rd minute from a penalty corner.

Unbeaten in the competition, India will face China in the final on Tuesday.
China reached the final by beating Pakistan 2-0 in a shoot-out after a 1-1 tie in the regular time of their semi-final match.
Pakistan and Korea will compete for third place.
Additionally, Japan secured the fifth place by defeating Malaysia 4-2 in a shoot-out after a 4-4 draw.
In the semi-final against Korea, India began with strong offensive play, keeping the Korean defense under constant pressure.
Abhishek nearly scored in the fourth minute but was thwarted by Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehan.
India’s persistence paid off in the 13th minute when Uttam scored from Araijeet Singh Hundal’s pass.
Harmanpreet Singh then converted a penalty corner in the 19th minute, giving India a 2-0 lead.
Jarmanpreet extended the lead in the 32nd minute, but Korea quickly responded with a goal from Yang Jihun. However, India maintained their dominance, and Harmanpreet secured another penalty corner goal just before the end of the third quarter.

India’s goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made crucial saves in the final minutes, ensuring the victory and India’s place in the final. This will now be India’s fifth appearance in the tournament’s final.