India dominates Malaysia 8-1 in Asian Champions Trophy semifinals
- India secured a decisive 8-1 victory over Malaysia in the semifinals of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy.
- The match featured standout performances from players like Raj Kumar Pal and Araijeet Singh Hundal, contributing multiple goals.
- With this win, India completed a hat-trick of victories in the tournament, solidifying their position at the top of the standings.
In the Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament held in China, India showcased a dominant performance against Malaysia, winning the semifinal match with a score of 8-1. This victory marked India's third consecutive win in the preliminary rounds, having previously defeated the host nation 3-0 and Japan 5-1. The match against Malaysia saw multiple players contributing to the scoreline, with Raj Kumar Pal netting three goals and Araijeet Singh Hundal adding two more. Other contributors included Jugraj Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, and Uttam Singh, demonstrating a well-rounded team effort. Malaysia's only goal came from Akhimullah Anuar in the 34th minute, but it was not enough to challenge India's overwhelming lead. The match highlighted India's offensive prowess, as they scored eight goals in the first three quarters, putting them in a strong position to potentially surpass their historical best win over Malaysia, which was 14-2 in 1954. This performance solidified India's position at the top of the standings with nine points from three matches. The tournament format is round-robin, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals scheduled for September 16, followed by the final on September 17. India's consistent performance throughout the tournament has set high expectations for their title defense. As defending champions, India's success in this tournament not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their status as a dominant force in Asian hockey. The team's ability to maintain such a high level of play will be crucial as they aim for another championship title.