New Delhi, Oct. 12 -- The Indian men's hockey team will enter this month's Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) in Punjab as the most successful side of the tournament, having won the title five times since its inception in 2011.
India's triumphs include a dramatic shootout victory in the inaugural edition to defending their crown in China in 2024.
The upcoming edition begins on October 27 and will be conducted in Jalandhar and Mohali till November 5.
A winning start in 2011
The inaugural edition of the Asian Champions Trophy was held in Ordos, China, featuring six teams: China, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, South Korea and Japan.
Facing arch-rivals Pakistan in the final, India held their opponents to a 0-0 draw in regulation time before prevailing 4-2 in the shootout. The hard-fought victory crowned India the tournament's first champions.
A second title in Kuantan
After its 2013 edition, the ACT paused for three years before returning in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia.
The six participating teams once again included India, Pakistan, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia and China.
India reached the final and faced Pakistan. Producing a determined performance, India secured a 3-2 victory to claim their second
Asian Champions Trophy title, with Rupinder Pal Singh, Affan Yousuf and Nikkin Thimmaiah scoring for the winners.
Joint winners in Muscat in 2018
India's third title came under unusual circumstances at
the fifth edition in Muscat, Oman, in 2018. The competition featured India, Japan, Malaysia, Oman, Pakistan and South Korea.
India and Pakistan progressed to the final, but persistent rain prevented the match from being completed. Consequently, the two teams were declared joint winners.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.