Asian Champions Trophy: India set for South Korea challenge in semifinals

India, the defending champions, will face a tricky challenge against an unpredictable South Korea in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy in Hulunbuir, China, on Monday.

Fresh from winning their second successive Olympic medal at Paris 2024, India kicked off their journey in the new Olympic cycle (2024-2028) in a remarkable fashion.

Coached by Craig Fulton, the Indian men remained unbeaten in the tournament, winning all five of their matches convincingly.

India began their title defence with a clinical 3-0 win over hosts China, followed by comprehensive victories over Japan (5-1) and Malaysia (8-1).

Monday’s semifinal will be a rematch against South Korea after India defeated the Koreans 3-1 in the group stage. India secured their semifinal spot with a hard-fought 2-1 win over arch-rivals Pakistan.

India's performance has been commanding across all departments.

The forward line - featuring Sukhjeet Singh, Abhishek, Uttam Singh, Gurjot Singh, and Araijeet Singh Hundal - has been in phenomenal form, regularly finding the back of the net.

Youngster Raj Kumar Pal has been impressive in the midfield, combining well with senior players Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Nilakanta Sharma, while scoring crucial field goals.

Defensively, India have been equally solid. Goalkeepers Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera have stepped up to fill the void left by legendary PR Sreejesh, who retired after the Paris Olympics, making some stunning saves.

Leading from the front, captain Harmanpreet Singh has continued his excellent run of form, converting five penalty corners with his signature drag flick. The emergence of Yugraj Singh as one of the world’s fastest drag-flickers has also bolstered India's penalty corner threat.

South Korea, however, will be no pushovers. They confirmed their place in the semifinals after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Malaysia, where they fought back in the final quarter with a dying-minute goal. India should be wary of conceding penalty corners against the nippy Koreans.

In the other semifinal, Pakistan will take on China, with the final scheduled for Tuesday.