The Indian Men's Hockey Team stormed through the league stage of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 unbeaten, demolishing Korea 8-0 on Monday, 2 November at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar to record their fifth consecutive victory. India topped the standings with 15 points from five matches and a goal difference of +29, setting up a semi-final rematch against Korea in Mohali on 4 November.

Scorers and Key Moments

Dilpreet Singh was the standout with a brace in the 8th and 40th minutes, while Jugraj Singh (11'), Harmanpreet Singh (15'), Shilanand Lakra (33'), Sukhjeet Singh (34'), Sanjay (36'), and Angad Bir Singh (60') also found the net. Harmanpreet, who scored his second penalty-corner goal in the 15th minute, now leads the tournament's scoring chart with nine goals.

India were dominant from the opening whistle. Dilpreet opened the account in the eighth minute with a backhand finish following an aerial pass from Jugraj. A swift penalty-corner routine in the 11th minute doubled the lead, with Jugraj converting on the rebound after Harmanpreet's initial effort was kept out by goalkeeper Kim Jaehyeon. By the first break, India led 3-0.

India's Third-Quarter Blitz

The contest was effectively ended in the third quarter, when India added four goals in seven minutes between the 33rd and 40th minutes. Lakra profited from a penalty-corner variation in the 33rd minute, pouncing on a rebound after Kim denied Jugraj. Sukhjeet made it 5-0 a minute later, deflecting a baseline pass from Aditya Arjun Lalage into the net. Sanjay reacted quickest after Dilpreet's blocked effort in the 36th minute, and Dilpreet then got a decisive touch on Sanjay's goal-bound strike in the 40th to complete the seventh.

Korea offered greater resistance in the second quarter, earning several penalty corners, but the Indian defence — marshalled well by goalkeeper Pathak, who produced a one-on-one save against Son Dain in the 27th minute — remained unbreached at half-time.

Angad's Solo Finish and Final Scoreline

The fourth quarter saw India ease off the accelerator, though Angad Bir Singh provided the night's most eye-catching moment in the final minute — winning possession in midfield, driving into the circle and sliding the ball beneath the advancing goalkeeper to complete the 8-0 rout. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a smart save late on to preserve the clean sheet.

Standings and Semi-Final Line-Up

India finished first with 15 points, followed by Japan (10 points), Malaysia (9 points), and Korea (6 points). In the other semi-final, Japan will face Malaysia. The medal matches are scheduled for 5 November in Mohali.

Sanjay, named 'Player of the Match', said India were delighted to top the pool. 'We wanted to top the table and we did that. We are very happy. I want to request the crowd to support us the same way in Mohali,' he said.

With momentum, a settled squad, and Harmanpreet in prolific form, India will be strong favourites heading into the knockout rounds — though a rematch against a Korea side with a point to prove adds a layer of intrigue.