India's men's hockey team powered into the final of the Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 with a commanding 8-1 demolition of South Korea in the semifinal at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Mohali on Wednesday, 4 November 2026. Dilpreet Singh and Shilanand Lakra starred with a brace each as the five-time champions set up a title clash with Japan on Thursday.

Goalscorers and Match Summary

Shilanand Lakra opened India's account in the 4th minute and doubled his tally in the 13th, while Dilpreet Singh netted in the 21st and 25th minutes. Captain Harmanpreet Singh added one in the 9th minute via a powerful drag-flick, with further goals from Sukhjeet Singh (21'), Angad Bir Singh (36'), and Vivek Sagar Prasad (54'). Sangjun Han scored South Korea's solitary goal in the 9th minute. Dilpreet Singh was named Player of the Match for his two-goal display.

How India Dismantled Korea

India went ahead in the 4th minute through a slick team move: Dilpreet fed Sukhjeet, collected the return pass and cut it across the baseline for Shilanand to deflect home at close range. Korea briefly levelled through Sangjun Han, but India responded almost immediately — Harmanpreet converting a penalty corner with a ferocious drag-flick to restore the lead. A second penalty corner in the 13th minute saw the Korean goalkeeper parry Harmanpreet's shot, only for Shilanand to react quickest on the rebound.

The second quarter brought India's most clinical phase. Sukhjeet made it 4-1 with a fine reverse-flick after controlling a defence-splitting pass from Sanjay. Angad Bir Singh and Dilpreet then combined in a quick one-two before Dilpreet guided the ball into the net — and he completed his brace in the 25th minute, controlling Harmanpreet's long aerial ball into the circle and finishing with a reverse-flick. India entered the interval with a 6-1 lead.

The third quarter became farcical for Korea when their captain Kim Yong Bok received a five-minute yellow card after the visitors inadvertently fielded more than 11 players on the pitch. Angad Bir Singh capitalised in the 36th minute, converting after Jarmanpreet Singh burst down the right flank. Vivek Sagar Prasad capped a dominant display in the 54th minute with a solo effort — carrying the ball from the right into the circle before beating the goalkeeper with a sharp reverse hit. The final whistle triggered a firecracker celebration in the packed stands.

What Dilpreet Said

Speaking after the match, Dilpreet Singh kept his focus on collective effort rather than individual milestones. 'Our aim was to execute our plans. It doesn't matter who scores and who doesn't. It is very special to play in Punjab, with our families in the stands and represent India in front of them. Thanks to all the fans for their energy. We look forward to seeing the fans in the final as well,' he said.

Japan Await in Thursday's Final

In the first semifinal, Japan edged Malaysia 5-3 in a shootout after regulation produced a goalless draw over 60 minutes. The final between India and Japan is scheduled for Thursday at the same venue in Mohali. Separately, in the 5th-6th place classification match, China beat Bangladesh 3-1.

Notably, Wednesday's semifinal was India's first international match at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium, and the team arrived on the back of an unbeaten league stage — five wins from five games. Defending champions and five-time Asian Champions Trophy winners, India now have the opportunity to claim a record-extending sixth title on Thursday.