India meets China

HOCKEY CORRESPONDENT

India takes on host China in its opening match of the first Asian men’s hockey Champions Trophy at Ordos on Saturday. The teams played out a 1-1 draw in their last meeting at Ipoh in the Sultan Azlan Shah Trophy. India has an impressive record of 13 victories in 18 encounters against China, losing two and drawing the other three matches.

On September 4, India clashes with Japan. India has won 61 of the 66 matches played so far with two reverses and three draws. The key games for India will be on September 6 when the team comes to grips with South Korea (64 played, 24 won, 12 draws, 28 defeats) followed by Malaysia (98-69-16-13) the next day.

The India-Pakistan (147-48-24-75) tie is slated for September 9. The placing matches and the final will come off on September 11.