India thumps South Korea 8-1 to reach Asian Champions Trophy final

India thrashed South Korea 8-1 to book a place in the Asian Champions Trophy final on Wednesday. The five‑time champions led 6‑1 at half‑time after scoring three goals in each of the first two quarters. Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh each struck twice, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad added the remaining goals. The win kept India unbeaten in the tournament and confirmed them as favourites to retain the title after they topped the six‑team round‑robin by beating all five opponents. South Korea, who had lost 8‑0 to India in the league stage, could not create a single penalty corner, while the hosts earned four. The semifinal victory sets up a Thursday final against Japan, who earned their spot by beating Malaysia 5‑3 in a shoot‑out after a goalless regulation game. Japan’s clean‑sheet effort suggests a tighter defensive test for the hosts. India will be aiming for a sixth Asian Champions Trophy crown, having previously won in 2011, 2016, 2018 (joint), 2023 and 2024. Home support and attacking depth make them clear favourites, but they will need the same discipline that has defined their campaign.

Context

The Asian Champions Trophy is the premier field‑hockey tournament for Asian nations, and India has dominated it with five titles, reflecting its strong position in continental hockey.