Moki, China: In a commanding performance, defending champions India secured a 4-1 victory over Korea in the semifinal of the Asian Champions Trophy.

India will now face the host team, China, in the final on Tuesday. Uttam Singh gave India an early lead with a goal in the first quarter (13′).

Harmanpreet Singh extended India’s advantage with two goals (19′, 45′), and Germanpreet Singh added another (32′). Korea’s lone goal came from Yang Ji-hoon (33′).

From the outset, India played aggressively. Abhishek tested Korea’s goalkeeper Jehan Kim with a powerful shot in the opening minutes.

Uttam Singh then capitalized on a pass from Raheel to score, giving India a 1-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, India earned its first penalty corner, which Harmanpreet Singh converted on his second attempt to double the lead to 2-0.

Despite further pressure from India, including a missed opportunity by Sukhjeet in the Korean circle, Germanpreet Singh scored from an exceptional aerial pass from Sumit, making it 3-0.

Korea quickly responded with a penalty corner, where Yang Ji-hoon scored to bring the score to 3-1. Before the third quarter ended, India was awarded another penalty corner due to a mistake by Korean goalkeeper Jehan Kim, which Harmanpreet Singh converted to make it 4-1.

In the final quarter, India maintained its dominance, with Abhishek and Araizit continuing to pressure the Korean goalkeeper.

Despite Korea’s additional penalty corner, Hyeon-hang Kim missed the opportunity. Ultimately, India controlled the game and secured a 4-1 victory, advancing to the final of the Asian Champions Trophy.

Match hero Germanpreet Singh commented, “We played exceptionally well, and reaching the final is very satisfying. I want to thank Sumit for the brilliant pass that led to my goal.”

India will face China in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, scheduled for Tuesday at 3:30 PM IST.