Asian Champions Trophy: India thrash South Korea 8-1 to reach final

The Indian men's hockey team stormed into the Asian Champions Trophy final for a record-extending seventh time after defeating South Korea 8-1 in the semifinal in Mohali on Wednesday.

Shilanand Lakra and Dilpreet Singh scored twice each, while captain Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Angad Bir Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad also found the net.

Lakra opened India's account in the fourth minute before Harmanpreet doubled the lead in the ninth minute. South Korea's Sangjun Han pulled one back in the same minute to make it 2-1.

Lakra scored his second goal in the 13th minute. Dilpreet and Sukhjeet then struck in the 21st minute, before Dilpreet added another in the 25th minute to give India a commanding 6-1 lead.

Angad Bir Singh scored India's seventh goal in the 36th minute, while Vivek Sagar Prasad completed the rout in the 54th minute.

India will face Japan in the final on Thursday, November 5, at 7 pm IST.

Japan booked their place in the title clash after defeating Malaysia in a penalty shootout. The semifinal had ended in a goalless draw in regulation time.

The hosts have maintained an unbeaten run in the tournament. India topped the six-team round-robin league after winning all five matches.

India had also defeated South Korea 8-0 in the league stage before registering another emphatic victory over the team in the semifinal.