India Continue Winning Run with Convincing 5-2 Victory Over China in Hockey

India continued their winning run at the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, defeating China 5-2 in an entertaining encounter at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and forward Sukhjeet Singh scored twice each to power the hosts to their second consecutive victory in the tournament.

Playing in front of their home supporters, India dominated much of the contest, combining attacking pressure with impressive penalty-corner conversions to overcome a spirited Chinese side.

Sukhjeet opened the scoring in the 13th minute with a brilliant field goal after controlling a long aerial pass from Jugraj Singh before lifting the ball over Chinese goalkeeper Huanyu Wu.

China fought back and equalised in the 26th minute through Peng Yang, who converted a penalty corner. However, India responded immediately as Harmanpreet produced a powerful drag-flick in the 27th minute to restore the lead.

The Indian captain struck again in the 31st minute, converting another penalty corner to extend the advantage to 3-1. Sukhjeet then added his second goal in the 34th minute after receiving a well-directed pass from Aditya Arjun Lalage, following an aerial ball from Harmanpreet.

China refused to surrender and reduced the deficit to 4-2 in the 36th minute when Chongcong Chen scored from a penalty-corner variation.

India maintained their attacking intensity in the final quarter, with Jugraj Singh sealing the victory in the 47th minute through a powerful penalty-corner flick.

India had begun their campaign with a 13-0 victory over Bangladesh and will next face Japan on Friday. China, meanwhile, will take on South Korea.

The victory strengthens India’s position in the tournament as the hosts continue their pursuit of another Asian Champions Trophy title.