Asian Champions Trophy: Sukhjeet, Harmanpreet braces power India past China 5-2

India kept up their winning run at the men's Asian Champions Trophy with a 5-2 victory over China at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday evening.

Forward Sukhjeet Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice each, and defender Jugraj Singh added a penalty-corner goal as the hosts followed up their 13-0 rout of Bangladesh in the opening game.

How the match unfolded

Sukhjeet opened the scoring in the 12th minute with a deft lifted finish. China drew level through a Yang Peng penalty corner in the second quarter, but India regained control around half-time. Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner and Sukhjeet struck again from close range to make it 3-1 early in the third quarter.

China pulled one back through a Chen Chongcong drag-flick, but India refused to let the game tighten. Jugraj restored the two-goal cushion from a penalty corner in the 47th minute, and Harmanpreet completed his brace to seal the result.

China, who showed plenty of attacking intent, have now lost both their matches.

India's set-piece unit once again made the difference, with three of the five goals coming from penalty corners. Sukhjeet's movement in the circle troubled the Chinese defence throughout, while the midfield kept possession well in the second half to deny China a route back into the contest.

Standings and what's next

After two rounds, India, Malaysia and Japan all have six points, with India on top thanks to a goal difference of plus 16. Earlier on Thursday, Malaysia beat South Korea 3-1 and Japan edged Bangladesh 1-0.

India face Japan at the same venue on Friday, October 30, at 7 pm IST, in what is likely to be their toughest test of the group stage so far.

Why it matters

Playing at home in front of Punjab crowds, India are among the favourites for the continental title. Strong performances here also help the team build combinations and penalty-corner routines ahead of a busy international season.