S2H TEAM

JALANDHAR: China, an emerging force in Asian hockey and finalists in the previous edition of the Asian Champions Trophy, gave hosts India a searching examination before eventually going down 5-2 in their second match of the ongoing tournament  at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium.

India needed a moment of individual brilliance from Sukhjeet Singh to break the deadlock in the 12th minute. The hosts, who had opened their campaign with a record-breaking 13-0 victory over Bangladesh, found China a vastly different proposition, with the visitors demonstrating that reputation alone would not intimidate them.

Sukhjeet produced a gem of an effort, completing a unique three-dimensional manoeuvre to perfection. Receiving a long overhead pass from captain Harmanpreet Singh, he controlled the ball effortlessly, maintained his balance and coolly directed it into the opposite corner of the net. It was a goal worthy of breaking the stubborn resistance of the Chinese defence.

China, however, refused to buckle. Four minutes before the half-time hooter, Yang Peng beat returning Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak with a ground-level strike to draw his team level. The equaliser was a reminder that the finalists of the previous edition had arrived with ambitions of their own.

India needed their captain to restore the advantage. Harmanpreet, one of the most formidable drag-flickers in international hockey, rose to the occasion, demonstrating the prowess of a giant when his team needed him most.

Harmanpreet takes charge

Once Harmanpreet found his rhythm, China struggled to contain him. He struck again in the 31st minute to put India back in front, shifting the momentum decisively towards the hosts. Jugraj Singh subsequently took over the conversion responsibilities and found the net in the dying moments, further strengthening India’s position.

The Indian attack gathered momentum as the match progressed, while China’s resistance began to fade in the third and fourth quarters. Nevertheless, the visitors managed another goal through Suraj Karkera, ensuring that their attacking intent was reflected on the scoreboard despite the eventual defeat.

India’s 5-2 victory was a testament to their ability to respond under pressure. Yet, the contest also exposed the determination and potential of a Chinese side that refused to be overwhelmed by the hosts’ formidable credentials.

China’s young brigade sends a message

China had already pushed Asian Games silver medallists Malaysia to the brink in their opening match, losing narrowly 3-4. Their performance against India further reinforced their growing stature in Asian hockey.

With as many as eight debutants in their ranks, the Chinese demonstrated commendable courage and attacking ambition. They challenged India in the opening stages, equalised when the hosts appeared to be gaining control and continued to seek opportunities even as the match slipped away.

India will take confidence from another victory, but China leave the contest with their reputation enhanced. The emerging side has made one point abundantly clear: Asian hockey’s established powers cannot afford to underestimate the next generation.

SCORERS

1-0 Sukhjeet Singh
1-1 Yang Peng
2-1 Harmanpreet Singh
3=1 Harmanpreet Singh
4-1 Sukhjeet Singh
4-2 Chen Chong Cong
5-2 Jugraj Singh

3rd DAY SCHEDULE (30th Oct)

14.30 Bangladesh vs Malaysia
16.45 South Korea vs China
19.00 India vs Japan