Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh Score Braces as India Defeat China 5-2 in Asian Champions Trophy

The Indian national men's hockey side recorded their second successive victory at the Asian Champions Trophy on Thursday, October 29, 2026, defeating China 5-2 before home spectators at Jalandhar's Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium, according to match reports from Revsportz and The Times of India. Team captain Harmanpreet Singh and forward Sukhjeet Singh spearheaded the attacking performance with two goals each, while penalty-corner specialist Jugraj Singh added a fifth goal during the fourth quarter to secure the victory before home supporters. China remained competitive throughout the contest through penalty-corner conversions from Peng Yang and Chongcong Chen.

Match Overview and Attacking Leadership

India controlled possession from the opening whistle but found clear scoring opportunities difficult to generate against a disciplined Chinese defense. The initial breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute when Jugraj delivered an aerial scoop into the circle, allowing Sukhjeet to control the ball past defenders and lift a shot over Chinese goalkeeper Huanyu Wu. China equalized in the 26th minute through a precise drag-flick from Peng Yang on their second penalty corner. India regained the lead barely a minute later when Harmanpreet scored from the team's third penalty corner, firing a powerful low flick in the 27th minute to give the hosts a 2-1 advantage entering halftime.

India recorded six or seven circle entries in the first seven minutes against China without earning a penalty corner or getting a goal shot.

First-Half Openers and Defensive Battles

India extended their lead early in the third quarter when Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner in the 31st minute with a grounded flick. In the 34th minute, Sukhjeet completed his brace by tapping in a cross from Aditya Arjun Lalage, who collected an aerial pass from Harmanpreet near the circle. China responded quickly in the 36th minute as Chongcong Chen converted their fourth penalty corner with a deflected variation to narrow the score to 4-2. Jugraj restored India's three-goal cushion in the 47th minute, driving a low drag-flick past Wu from another set piece to seal the 5-2 scoreline.

Second-Half Braces and Set-Piece Execution

The triumph followed India's opening-match 13-0 victory over Bangladesh, keeping the five-time tournament champions undefeated in pool play. Reflecting on the team's tactical performance, head coach Craig Fulton stated that the players moved the ball with greater tempo but emphasized the necessity of improving circle finishing and penalty-corner conversion rates ahead of upcoming matches. China remained winless in tournament play following an opening 4-5 loss against Malaysia. India will continue their round-robin campaign on Friday, facing regional opponents as the tournament advances in Jalandhar.

Following the victory over China, India's next round-robin fixture is scheduled against Japan on Friday in Jalandhar, according to Akashvani News.

Ahead of the match against China, chief coach Craig Fulton expressed tactical concern regarding India's performance after the change of ends during their opening match against Bangladesh, according to ThePrint.