Hockey Asian Champions Trophy Final: Can China Challenge India on Home Turf?
China has exceeded expectations to reach the final of the continental tournament for the first time. Despite their remarkable performance, India remains the overwhelming favourite.
India vs. China
India is heavily favoured to win the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament for the fifth time when they face hosts China in the final in Hulunbuir on Tuesday, September 17. While the Paris Olympics bronze medallists have dominated their opponents to reach the final, China has exceeded expectations to seize their chance at making history.
India has been the standout team in the 2024 Asian Champions Trophy, scoring 25 goals while conceding only five. The squad includes 10 players from the Paris Olympics team and young talents like Uttam and Hundal Araijeet Singh have made significant contributions. India has excelled in field goals, with 17 of their 25 coming from open play. Additionally, the team has demonstrated exceptional defensive discipline, effectively transitioning between attack and defence and maintaining impressive shape.
China is not expected to pose a major threat on Tuesday, but India will not underestimate their opponents. The 23rd-ranked team has demonstrated resilience and determination to reach the final for the first time in Asian Champions Trophy history.
China will depend on its swift counterattacking ability. Its strategy of transitioning quickly from defense to attack has been effective, as demonstrated in its matches against Malaysia and Japan, where it capitalised on turnovers to score vital goals.
Playing on home soil offers China a significant advantage, with local crowd support and familiarity with the conditions playing in their favour. The motivation is high, as a victory would mark their first Asian Champions Trophy title. However, facing Harmanpreet Singh's well-coordinated Indian team presents a formidable challenge.
