Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: Defending champions India beat China 3-0

The Indian men’s hockey team dished out a dominant performance to launch its title defence with a commanding 3-0 win over hosts China in the Asian Champions Trophy here today.

Sukhjeet Singh (14th minute), Uttam Singh (27th) and Abhishek (32nd) were the goal-scorers for India.

Coming into the tournament after securing a second successive bronze at the Olympics, India looked the more enterprising side, grabbing opportunities up front and were rock solid in defence to emerge winners.

“I think we played very well. We created some good chances but the best part is that we kept a clean sheet,” captain Harmanpreet Singh said.

“Some new faces got an opportunity to perform and I think they played very well. It’s a good opportunity for them to play with the Asian teams and gel with the senior team. They are skillful and very talented. I wish them the best for the future,” he said.

India will play Japan tomorrow. In other matches, Malaysia held Pakistan 2-2, while Japan and Korea played out a 5-5 draw.