Sukhjeet’s wonder goal, Harmanpreet’s brace power India to 5-2 win over China in Asian Champions Trophy

India overcome a spirited Chinese challenge in Jalandhar as Sukhjeet Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh score twice each to keep the defending champions unbeaten and on top of the standings.

India’s second outing at the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026 demanded considerably more than their opening-day performance, but the defending champions responded with a composed attacking display to beat China 5-2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium on Thursday. Sukhjeet Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice each, while Jugraj Singh added another goal as India registered their second consecutive victory.

Sukhjeet was named Player of the Match after producing one of the standout moments of the contest with a superb finish in the first quarter. Harmanpreet, meanwhile, once again demonstrated his importance to India’s penalty-corner unit, converting twice to put the hosts in control.

India had begun their campaign with a commanding 13-0 victory over Bangladesh. China, however, presented a different challenge, defending in numbers and looking to exploit opportunities on the counter. The visitors managed to make the contest competitive for long periods, particularly in the opening half, before India’s quality in the attacking third made the difference.

Sukhjeet produces the moment of the match

China showed early attacking intent, with Zhang Jialiang collecting an aerial ball and making an entry into the Indian circle. India responded through Hardik Singh, whose strong run helped the hosts build momentum. Mandeep Singh also threatened after receiving a diagonal pass from Amandeep Lakra.

The breakthrough arrived in the 12th minute, courtesy of a moment of individual brilliance from Sukhjeet. Jugraj Singh sent a long aerial pass forward, which Sukhjeet controlled with impressive composure. After taking a couple of touches, the forward lifted the ball over the advancing Chinese goalkeeper Wu Huanyu from a difficult angle.

It was an exceptional finish, combining control, awareness and execution under pressure. The goal gave India a 1-0 lead and underlined Sukhjeet’s ability to turn a difficult attacking situation into a scoring opportunity.

China nearly responded in the 14th minute, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera produced two quick saves to preserve India's advantage.

China tightened its defensive structure in the second quarter, restricting the space available to India's forwards. The visitors' resistance was rewarded in the 26th minute when Yang Peng converted a penalty corner to bring the score level at 1-1.

India's response was immediate. Captain Harmanpreet Singh stepped up to convert a penalty corner in the 27th minute with a powerful drag-flick, restoring the hosts' lead.

China earned another penalty corner before half-time, but Amit Rohidas blocked the first effort, while the subsequent attempt failed to produce a clear shot. India went into the break leading 2-1, having been forced to work considerably harder for their opportunities than they had against Bangladesh.

The first half also highlighted the importance of India's defensive organisation. China had managed to create pressure and find an equaliser, but the hosts remained composed when the visitors threatened.

India began the second half with greater attacking purpose. Harmanpreet struck again in the 31st minute, converting another penalty corner to extend the lead to 3-1. His second goal gave India a two-goal cushion and placed the hosts in a stronger position.

Sukhjeet then added his second of the evening in the 34th minute. The move began with an aerial pass from Harmanpreet, which was brought under control by Aditya Arjun Lalage. Lalage cut the ball back for Sukhjeet, who finished to make it 4-1.

China refused to fade away. Chen Chongcong converted a penalty corner in the 36th minute to reduce the deficit to 4-2 and keep the contest alive. The visitors continued to show that they could trouble India with quick, fluid attacking movements, even as the hosts maintained the initiative.

India entered the final quarter looking to extend their advantage, and Jugraj Singh delivered in the 47th minute. The defender converted a penalty corner with a crisp flick, taking the score to 5-2 and effectively settling the contest.

India had another opportunity to add to the tally late in the match after Angad Bir Singh was brought down while entering the circle from the left. China unsuccessfully referred the decision, but goalkeeper Wu Huanyu produced an excellent stretching save with his right foot to deny Harmanpreet a hat-trick.

The final scoreline reflected India's attacking quality, although China deserve credit for making the defending champions work for the result. Sukhjeet's finishing and Harmanpreet's penalty-corner execution proved decisive on an evening when India had to negotiate a more organised opponent.

India move top ahead of Japan clash

The other matches on Thursday saw Malaysia beat South Korea 3-1, while Japan edged Bangladesh 1-0.

India now leads the standings with six points from two matches and a goal difference of +16. Malaysia and Japan also have six points, but trail with goal differences of +3 and +2, respectively. South Korea, China and Bangladesh remain without a point after suffering two defeats each.

India will next face Japan on Friday, October 30, at 7:00 PM IST at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium. With both sides having won their opening two matches, the encounter will be an important early test for the defending champions.

The six participating teams are competing in a single round-robin league phase, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The league stage in Jalandhar continues until November 2, before the tournament moves to Mohali for the semi-finals on November 4 and the medal matches on November 5.

For India, the win over China offered a useful test of their ability to respond when opponents deny them space and make them work for goals. With Sukhjeet finding his scoring touch and Harmanpreet continuing to deliver from penalty corners, the hosts have made a strong start to their title defence.