India Beats South Korea 8-1: Reaches Asian Champions Trophy Final

The Indian men's hockey team advanced to the 2026 Asian Champions Trophy final after a dominant 8-1 wins against South Korea. India will face Japan for the title.

News Source: https://www.espn.in/

The Indian men's hockey team defeated South Korea 8-1 on Wednesday to guarantee a place in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 final. The reigning champions displayed an offensive masterpiece in front of an enthusiastic audience at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. As they prepare for the tournament's final game, the victory maintains India's winning streak.

Shilanand Lakra's goal in the fourth minute gave India early control of the match. Sangjun Han of South Korea quickly tied the score, although it was short-lived. The Korean defense struggled as a result of India's forceful offensive assault. With a signature low drag-flick from a penalty corner, Captain Harmanpreet Singh restored India's advantage and celebrated his 250th senior international goal.

When Shilanand Lakra scored his second goal before the first quarter ended, giving India a 3-1 lead, the floodgates completely opened. This constant pressure was maintained by the offensive line into the second quarter. Within seconds of one another, Dilpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored consecutive goals. By halftime, India had comfortable 6-1 lead thanks to another goal from Dilpreet. Similar trends were seen in the second half, as India controlled the game's tempo and dominated possession. With a strong finish in the third quarter, Angad Bir Singh was added to the score. In the last quarter, Vivek Sagar Prasad finished the scoring by slicing through the Korean defense and scored a beautiful single goal. Dilpreet Singh's excellent attacking effort earned him the title of Player of the Match.

With this triumph, India will play Japan in the final on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM IST in Mohali. After a 0-0 normal draw, Japan advanced to the final by defeating Malaysia 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout. India's next goal is to win the Asian Champions Trophy for a record-breaking sixth time.

FAQs:

Q: What was the final score of the India vs South Korea semifinal?

A: India defeated South Korea with a dominant 8-1 victory to advance to the tournament final.

Q: Where was the India vs South Korea hockey match played?

A: The match took place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali.

Q: Who scored the most goals for India in the semifinal?

A: Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh led the Indian offense, with each player scoring two goals.

Q: What major milestone did Captain Harmanpreet Singh achieve during the match?

A: Harmanpreet Singh scored his 250th senior international goal for India via a first-quarter penalty corner.

Q: Who will India play in the Asian Champions Trophy final?

A: India will face Japan in the final after Japan defeated Malaysia 5-3 in a penalty shootout.