India Crush South Korea 8-1 to Set Up Asian Champions Trophy Final Against Japan

Mohali- India stormed into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 with a commanding 8-1 victory over South Korea in the semifinal at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday. The defending champions will now face Japan in Thursday's title clash as they aim to extend their record to six tournament victories.

Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh led India's attacking charge with two goals each, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad contributed one goal apiece. Sangjun Han scored South Korea's only goal.

The emphatic victory continued India's dominant run in the competition. The five-time champions had topped the league stage unbeaten, winning all five matches, and carried that momentum into the knockout encounter. It was also India's first international match at the Mohali stadium, where a packed and enthusiastic crowd turned out to support the home team.

India made an aggressive start and opened the scoring in the fourth minute through an excellent team move. Dilpreet Singh combined with Sukhjeet inside the striking circle before sending the ball across the goalmouth, where Shilanand Lakra deflected it into the net.

South Korea briefly restored parity in the ninth minute when Sangjun Han redirected a pass from the right past goalkeeper Suraj Karkera. However, India responded almost immediately as Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to put the hosts back in front.

Shilanand doubled his tally in the 13th minute, reacting quickly to a rebound after Harmanpreet's initial penalty-corner attempt was stopped by Korean goalkeeper Kim Jaehyeon.

India raised the tempo further in the second quarter. Sukhjeet made it 4-1 in the 21st minute with a superb reverse-flick after receiving a brilliant pass from Sanjay. Moments later, a neat combination between Angad and Dilpreet resulted in another goal, with Dilpreet stretching to guide the ball into the net.

Dilpreet struck again in the 25th minute, controlling Harmanpreet's long aerial pass inside the circle before beating the goalkeeper with a reverse-flick. India headed into half-time with an overwhelming 6-1 advantage, leaving South Korea with a mountain to climb.

The third quarter began with an unusual incident as South Korean captain Kim Yong Bok received a five-minute yellow card after his team was found to have more than 11 players on the pitch. India continued to dominate and extended their lead in the 36th minute. Jarmanpreet Singh made an impressive run down the right flank before setting up Angad, who finished the move to make it 7-1.

India also earned another penalty corner after Shilanand was struck by a rebound, but Amandeep Lakra's attempt was kept out by the Korean goalkeeper.

South Korea struggled to mount a comeback in the final quarter and failed to convert their limited opportunities. Park Geunwoo sent a penalty-corner attempt wide, while India's attacking threat remained intact.

Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the scoring in the 54th minute with an impressive individual effort. Carrying the ball in from the right, he entered the striking circle and beat the goalkeeper with a reverse hit to make it 8-1.

The final hooter triggered celebrations among the spectators, with fireworks adding to the festive atmosphere at the stadium.

Dilpreet was named Player of the Match for his two-goal contribution. He emphasised that India's success was the result of collective effort rather than individual performances.

“Our aim was to execute our plans. It doesn't matter who scores and who doesn't. It is very special to play in Punjab, with our families in the stands and represent India in front of them. Thanks to all the fans for their energy. We look forward to seeing the fans in the final as well,” he said.

Earlier, Japan secured their place in the final by defeating Malaysia 5-3 in a penalty shootout after the first semifinal ended goalless in regulation time. In the fifth-sixth place classification match, China defeated Bangladesh 3-1 to conclude their campaign.

India will now take on Japan on Thursday with an opportunity to defend their crown and claim an unprecedented sixth Asian Champions Trophy title. Having scored eight goals against South Korea for the second consecutive match, the hosts will enter the final with considerable attacking confidence.

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