India delivered a dominant performance to defeat South Korea 8-0 at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, securing the top position in the league stage of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy.
 

Dilpreet Singh scored twice for India, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugraj Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Sanjay and Angad Bir Singh scored one goal each.
 

Before the match, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Netherlands drag-flicker Floris Jan Bovelander met players from the Indian and South Korean teams and encouraged them.
 

At the end of the league stage, India finished first. Japan secured second place with 10 points, followed by Malaysia with nine points. South Korea finished fourth with six points.
 

In another match, China and Bangladesh played out a 1-1 draw. China took the lead in the second minute through a penalty-corner goal by Benhai Chen. Bangladesh captain Ashraful Islam equalised in the 38th minute by converting a penalty stroke.
 

Japan defeated Malaysia 2-1 in the other league match. Malaysia's Abu Kamal Azrai gave his team the lead with a field goal in the 10th minute. However, Japan's Kentaro Fukuda scored in the 24th and 54th minutes to secure victory for his side.
 

The semi-finals will be played on November 4 at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali. India will face South Korea, while Japan will take on Malaysia. The final is scheduled to be held in Mohali on November 5.
 

Jalandhar Gives Asian Hockey Tournament a Memorable Farewell
 

The final day of the Asian Champions Trophy matches at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Burlton Park, Jalandhar, witnessed a large turnout of spectators. Local residents and hockey fans gave the tournament a memorable send-off and appreciated the arrangements and facilities provided at the venue.
 

Saurav, a resident of Gandhi Camp, said the arrangements were smooth from the stadium entrance to the exit. He added that despite the large crowd, spectators did not face difficulties with traffic or entry into the stadium.
 

Another spectator, Sahil Kumar, praised the parking arrangements, public facilities and food court set up for visitors.
 

Large LED screens installed around the stadium also allowed people outside the venue to watch the matches. Baljit Singh, a resident of Basti Bawa Khel, said the screens and food facilities made the experience more enjoyable for spectators.
 

Visitors expressed hope that the successful hosting of the tournament would help pave the way for more international sporting events in Jalandhar in the future.