In a commanding display, India swept aside reigning Asian champions Japan with a resounding 5-0 victory, propelling them into their fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament final. The electrifying clash unfolded at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium on Friday, where India's prowess took center stage.

Right from the outset, the three-time champions India embraced an aggressive high-press hockey strategy, leaving Japan grappling with their deep defensive stance to thwart the relentless onslaught from the home team.

The initial scoring opportunity materialized for India via a penalty corner, only to be thwarted by Japan's goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa, who confidently denied the home team's skipper Harmanpreet Singh. Throughout the match, India dictated the pace and dominated possession, while Japan found themselves caught in a continuous pursuit to catch up.

After a goalless first quarter, India finally broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Akashdeep Singh capitalized on a rebound from Hardik Singh's initial shot, hammering the ball into the net to give India the lead. The momentum continued as India earned their second penalty corner in the 23rd minute, which was artfully converted by India's skipper Harmanpreet. His fierce low flick found the left side of the Japanese goal, doubling India's advantage.

In a crucial juncture just before halftime, India extended their lead to three goals through Mandeep Singh. Orchestrated by Manpreet Singh's exceptional midfield interception and skillful navigation past three Japanese defenders, Mandeep found himself in a prime position to slot the ball home.

The pattern persisted after halftime, as India relentlessly pressed forward in their pursuit of the Japanese goal. Sumit's exceptional back stick flick from a tight angle became the highlight of the tournament, capping off a brilliant setup by Manpreet's diligent work from the right flank.

Young talent Karthi Selvam added to India's triumph, widening the lead to an impressive 5-0 in the 51st minute. Sukhjeet Singh's unselfish play, combined with a perfect aerial ball from Harmanpreet, provided the opportunity that Karthi Selvam expertly converted.

With this emphatic victory, India now sets its sights on the final showdown against Malaysia on Saturday. On the other hand, Japan will contend with defending champions South Korea in the third-fourth place playoff match, as the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament reaches its thrilling conclusion.

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