India face Malaysia, look to continue unbeaten run in Asian Champions Trophy | Hockey News
India will aim to extend their winning streak in the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament when they face Malaysia on Wednesday. The defending champions come into the match after a strong start, having defeated China 3-0 and Japan 5-1 in their two league games so far.
Scoring field goals was a concern for India during their recent bronze-medal win at the Paris Olympics, where out of 15 goals scored, only three were from open play.This issue was highlighted by retired legend PR Sreejesh, who emphasized the need for better field goal conversion.
“If we are thinking about the next level for the Indian hockey team and want to consistently win Olympic medals, we need to score more field goals because our defence has its limitations,” Sreejesh, who announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics, had remarked.
In the ongoing tournament, India’s field goals have shown significant improvement. Out of the eight goals scored, seven came from open play, with Sukhjeet Singh scoring three of them. Abhishek and Uttam Singh added two each, demonstrating strong performances by the young forwards.
Drag-flicker Sanjay also contributed by converting a penalty corner against Japan. So far, captain and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh’s role has been limited due to the efforts by the forwards.
India’s new first-choice goalkeeper, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, has replaced Sreejesh and has conceded only one goal in the tournament so far. However, both Pathak and Suraj Karkera have been alternated by the coach, each guarding the post for two quarters in the two matches so far.
Currently, India lead the points table with two wins in as many matches and look in prime form to win their fifth ACT title. Meanwhile, last edition’s runners-up Malaysia are at the penultimate position with one loss and a draw.
The top four sides from the round-robin league will qualify for the semifinals on September 16, and the final is set for September 17.
Scoring field goals was a concern for India during their recent bronze-medal win at the Paris Olympics, where out of 15 goals scored, only three were from open play.This issue was highlighted by retired legend PR Sreejesh, who emphasized the need for better field goal conversion.
“If we are thinking about the next level for the Indian hockey team and want to consistently win Olympic medals, we need to score more field goals because our defence has its limitations,” Sreejesh, who announced his retirement after the Paris Olympics, had remarked.
In the ongoing tournament, India’s field goals have shown significant improvement. Out of the eight goals scored, seven came from open play, with Sukhjeet Singh scoring three of them. Abhishek and Uttam Singh added two each, demonstrating strong performances by the young forwards.
Drag-flicker Sanjay also contributed by converting a penalty corner against Japan. So far, captain and drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh’s role has been limited due to the efforts by the forwards.
India’s new first-choice goalkeeper, Krishan Bahadur Pathak, has replaced Sreejesh and has conceded only one goal in the tournament so far. However, both Pathak and Suraj Karkera have been alternated by the coach, each guarding the post for two quarters in the two matches so far.
Currently, India lead the points table with two wins in as many matches and look in prime form to win their fifth ACT title. Meanwhile, last edition’s runners-up Malaysia are at the penultimate position with one loss and a draw.
The top four sides from the round-robin league will qualify for the semifinals on September 16, and the final is set for September 17.
