Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023: India and Malaysia in Semis; Pakistan, China Qualification Scenario

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The fourth round of the group stages of the Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023 is done and dusted. The Indian team have secured a hard-fought win over their closest rivals in the FIH rankings South Korea.

The Indian hockey team secured a 3-2 win over the Koreans at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium and now go top of the table with just a match to play of group stages.

The six-team tournament will see the top four teams qualify for the semifinals. And at the moment, the Indian team have sealed their berth for that. It is to be seen whether India finish top of the table as they are assured of the top two spots. In the points table, India sit top with 10 points after 4 matches, while Malaysia are just a point behind in the second spot.

How have India fared in Hockey Asian Champions Trophy?

India have won three matches and drawn one so far in the tournament. They started with a 7-2 win over China, and then drew 1-1 against Japan. Harmanpreet Singh and his side have won the last two matches against Malaysia (5-0) and South Korea (3-2).

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023: Pakistan and China Scenario

Pakistan are currently sitting fourth in the table with five points after four matches, and they have the same number of points with third-placed Korea. They will be up against India in their final match of the group stages, and can finish as high as third in the table if they win or draw against the hosts. But a defeat by two or more goals against India can eliminate them if Japan win their match against China.

China are currently at the bottom of the table with one point in four games and are eliminated from the tournament. They will play Japan in the final game of the group stages.

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023: Can Japan still qualify?

Yes, Japan do have an outside chance of qualifying but they will have to win their match against China and then expect either India or Malaysia to do a favour to them by beating Pakistan or South Korea.

India and Malaysia in for a Top Spot Race

India and Malaysia are just separated by a point and they would be aiming for the top spot. At the moment, it is in India's hands as a win will seal their spot. But the home side will be playing the final match of the group stages and hence will have the advantage to know exactly what they need to finish at the summit of the points table.

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy 2023 Round 5 Matches

Date: Wednesday, August 9

Japan vs China (4:00 pm IST)

Korea vs Malaysia (6:15 pm IST)

India vs Pakistan (8:30 pm IST)

Hockey Asian Champions Trophy Points Table