Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India beats Pakistan 2-1; qualifies for semis after fifth consecutive win

Defending champion Indian Men's Hockey Team defeated arch-rival Pakistan 2-1 in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China on Saturday. 

After winning the bronze medal in the Paris Olympics 2024, the excellent form of the Indian hockey team is also visible in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 as well. The team has registered its fifth consecutive win of the tournament in the last round-robin match played today. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored both the goals for India. In contrast, Nadeem Ahmed scored the goal for Pakistan.

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The Indian team is leading the points table after winning all 5 matches in this Asian Champions Trophy. Whereas Pakistan is second after India after winning 2 out of 5 matches. Both teams have already qualified for the semi-finals.

India's 8th win over Pakistan

This is India's 8th win over Pakistan in the Asian Champions Trophy. This was the 12th match between the two teams. During this period, Pakistan has been able to win only 2 matches. There have been 2 matches drawn.

India took lead after falling behind in the beginning 

The Indian team started the first quarter of the match aggressively but then went into defense. Pakistan tried to score a goal in the 5th minute but failed. However, Pakistan got success in the 7th minute and took a 1-0 lead by scoring a field goal. Nadeem Ahmed scored a goal for Pakistan. Due to this India remained under pressure for some time. But they got its first penalty corner in the 12th minute and captain Harmanpreet Singh leveled the match without any mistake.

Captain Harmanpreet gave the winning lead

India started aggressively in the second quarter. They soon won a penalty corner and captain Harmanpreet Singh made no mistakes to give India a 2-1 lead. Pakistan got the first penalty corner, but the team could not take advantage and India did not suffer any loss. India maintained a 2-1 lead till the first half which lasted till the end of the match.

Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy 2024: India beats Pakistan 2-1; qualifies for semis after fifth consecutive win

India has most titles in the tournament's history

A total of six teams including India are participating in the Asian Champions Trophy 2024. In the group stage, all the teams have to play five matches each. The semi-finals and final will be played on 16 and 17 September respectively.

India is a strong contender to become champion in this tournament. India had won the title on home soil last year, making them the team with the most titles in the tournament's history, winning 4 titles.