Indian men's hockey team beat South Korea 3-1 to advance to Asian Champions Trophy semifinals, set to face Pakistan in last pool game

The Indian men's hockey team defeated South Korea 3-1 in their fourth pool match of the Asian Champions Trophy on Thursday (September 12), assuring themselves of a semifinal place in the six-nation tournament.

With 12 points from four matches, the Indians are also poised to finish on top of the points table at the end of the round-robin pool stage regardless of what transpires in their last encounter against Pakistan on Saturday, September 14.

Ariajeet Singh Hundal opened the scoring for the Indians before Harmanpreet Singh doubled the lead off a penalty corner. Jihun Yang's drag flick took a deflection off Manpreet Singh's stick to enable Korea to reduce the deficit before Harmanpreet scored again to seal the deal for the Olympic bronze medalists.

For the first time in the competition, the Indian strikers were met with stiff resistance in the attacking circle as the Korean deep defence refused to allow Craig Fulton's chargers easy access into the danger zone.

Vivek Sagar, however, managed to pick up an unmarked Araijeet Singh Hundal in the Korean circle who had ample time to unleash a powerful shot that gave goalkeeper Kim Jaehan no chance whatsoever in the eighth minute.

Harmanpreet Singh doubled the lead for his side off India's first penalty corner a minute later.

Jigwang Hyun's shot from the edge of the circle missed the target early in the second quarter after the Koreans managed to penetrate the Indian circle against the run of play.

The Koreans managed to create a penalty corner a minute before the long breather. Jihun Yang's drag flick beat Suraj Karkera in the Indian goal after the ball changed direction following a deflection off Manpreet Singh's stick.

With Korea on the lookout for an equaliser, Harmanpreet Singh scored India's third goal off a penalty corner in the 43rd minute. The Indian captain beat the Korean goalkeeper with a low, well-directed drag flick.

The Koreans came up with a wave of attacks at the death but failed to get the better of the resolute Indian defence.

India assured of Asian Champions Trophy semifinal spot ahead of game against Pakistan

The Indian men's hockey team have notched up four straight wins in the Asian Champions Trophy while arch-rivals Pakistan have drawn two of their three games.

South Korea have five points from four games while Pakistan, who are the only unbeaten side apart from India, have five points from three matches and will take on China on Thursday.

India and Pakistan will lock horns in a blockbuster Asian Champions Trophy encounter on September 14. The Indians have not lost to their traditional rivals since 2016.

The last time Pakistan defeated India was in the final of the SAF Games in 2016 where the Men in Green triumphed 1-0.