India Look To Give Final Touches To Asian Games Preparation In ACT

03.08.2023 - 04:57 sports.ndtv.com

Tournament favourites and three-time champions India will look to give final touches to their Asian Games preparation and address the areas of improvement in the Asian Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament, beginning in Chennai on Thursday.

World number four India are the highest ranked side in the tournament and will open their campaign against China at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here, which will host a major event for the first time since 2007.

It is also the first time India would be hosting the ACT since the tournament's inception in 2011. For India, the primary objective in the tournament would be to test the players and get a fair bit of idea about their Asian rivals ahead of the Asian Games to be held in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.

With the Asian Games providing a direct ticket to next year's Paris Olympics, India are expected to test their resources in the ACT while also playing a balancing act to keep their players fresh and free from injuries ahead of the all-important continental showpiece.

hockey Paris Olympics Harmanpreet Singh China India Pakistan county Fulton

India fought back from two goals down to eke out a 4-3 win over a spirited Malaysia in a thrilling final to claim their fourth Asian Champions Trophy title at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Saturday. Jugraj Singh (9th minute), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (45th), Gurjant Singh (45th) and Akashdeep Singh (56th) were the goal scores for India. For Malaysia, Abu Kamal Azrai (14th), Razie Rahim (18th) and Muhamad Aminudin (28th) found the back of the net.

"Will Be A Tough Game": India Skipper Harmanpreet Singh Ahead Of Asian Champions Trophy Final

India men's hockey team captain Harmanpreet Singh feels that their encounter against Malaysia in the final Asian Champions Trophy on Saturday won't be easy but they are fully prepared for it. India produced a stellar performance to seal off a 5-0 victory against Japan in their semifinal encounter on Friday. While Malaysia also performed a similar result as the mauled Korea to seal their place in the final with a 6-2 victory. In the post-match conference, Harmanpreet addressed the challenge that lies ahead of them in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Asian Champions Trophy Final: India Script Epic Comeback To Beat Malaysia For Record Fourth Title

"Will Be A Tough Game": India Skipper Harmanpreet Singh Ahead Of Asian Champions Trophy Final

India vs Japan Highlights, Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Semi-final: India Thump Japan 5-0, Set Up Final With Malaysia

India vs Japan, Asian Champions Trophy Semi-final Highlights: India defeated Japan 5-0 in the second semi-final of the Asian Champions Trophy at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Friday. The win helped India set up a final clash with Malaysia, who beat South Korea 6-2 in the first semi-final. For India, Akashdeep Singh's field goal broke the deadlock before Harmanpreet Singh's superb drag flick doubled the lead for the hosts. Later, an amazing hit from Manpreet Singh touched the stick of Mandeep Singh and entered the post to put India 3-0 up. Sumit then made it 4-0 with a magical goal in the third quarter. Karthi Selvam then put one into the post in the final quarter to help India end the game on a high.

Asian Champions Trophy 2023: India Rout Japan 5-0 In Semi-Final, To Face Malaysia In Summit Clash

A dominant India mauled reigning Asian champions Japan 5-0 to enter their fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium in Chennai on Friday. While three-time champions India adopted a high-press hockey from the onset, Japan played deep into their defence to thwart the home team's attacks. India got the first scoring chance of the match in the form of a penalty corner but Japan goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa made a confident save to deny home team skipper Harmanpreet Singh.