HULUNBUIR: Defending champions India are now the only team to remain unbeaten after defeating arch-rivals Pakistan 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024.
In their final group match on Saturday, Pakistan initially took the lead with a well-executed pass from Hannan Shahid to Ahmad Nadeem, who scored the opening goal. However, India quickly responded, with Captain Harmanpreet Singh scoring twice to shift the momentum in their favor.
The third and fourth quarters saw both teams attacking vigorously but failing to add to the scoreline.
India’s victory means they finished the group stage unbeaten, securing the top position on the points table and handing Pakistan their first loss of the tournament. Both teams have qualified for the semi-finals, which are set to take place on September 17.
Pakistan had previously defeated China 5-1 and Japan 2-1, and drawn with Malaysia and South Korea in their opening games.
