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The Indian men's hockey team began their title defense in the Asian Champions Trophy with a resounding 3-0 victory over the hosts, China. The match, held in Hulunbuir on Sunday, saw India display a dominant performance, capitalizing on scoring opportunities and exhibiting a strong defensive presence. Sukhjeet Singh opened the scoring in the 14th minute, giving India an early lead. Uttam Singh doubled the advantage in the 27th minute, sending India into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Shortly after the break, Abhishek further solidified India's dominance with a reverse hit goal in the 32nd minute, sealing the 3-0 victory.
India's victory was a testament to their recent success and momentum, having won a second consecutive bronze medal at the Olympics. The team entered the tournament with a sense of purpose and determination, showcasing their skills and teamwork throughout the match. China, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to convert their scoring opportunities. The Indian defense, led by their experienced players, remained resolute, denying China any chance of a comeback.
India's next match in the pool stage will be against Japan on Monday. Last year, India won the tournament on home soil, becoming the only team to clinch four titles in the history of the event. The team will be aiming to continue their winning streak and defend their title in this year's edition. The tournament also witnessed a high-energy draw between Malaysia and Pakistan, ending 2-2. Meanwhile, Japan and Korea battled to a thrilling 5-5 draw, highlighting the competitiveness of the tournament.
Source: Defending champions India beat China 3-0 in Asian Champions Trophy opener