The highly anticipated Men’s Asian Champions Trophy is all set to kick off this Sunday at the Moqi Hockey Training Base, situated near the scenic Nierji Dam in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, China. As reigning Olympic bronze medalists, India enters the tournament as the favorite to retain their title, while hosts China, along with Japan, Pakistan, Korea, and Malaysia, are eager for a strong performance in this prestigious event. India’s triumph on home soil last year made them the only team to win four titles in the tournament’s history. Team captain Harmanpreet Singh is determined to extend India’s dominance at this continental championship.
“The Asian Champions Trophy last year gave us the momentum we needed for the Asian Games, followed by our Olympic success. This year, we aim to kick off a new Olympic cycle with another win,” Harmanpreet said in a statement from Hockey India. “With ten Olympic players on the squad and a few fresh faces, we’re confident. Our strengths lie in attacking play and penalty corners, but structured defense will be key, especially against teams like Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan. This tournament is important for world ranking points, and we’re ready for the challenge.”
India will launch their campaign with the opening match against hosts China, followed by a game against Japan on September 9. After a day’s rest, they will face last year’s runners-up Malaysia on September 11 and then meet Korea on September 12.
India vs China Hockey Match Livestreaming Details:
- When: The India vs China Asian Champions Trophy match is scheduled for Sunday, September 8, starting at 3:30 PM (IST).
- Where: The match will take place at the Moqi Training Base in Hulunbuir City, China.
- Where to Watch: The game will be broadcast live in India on the Sony Sports Network.
- Live Stream: The match can be streamed live via the Sonyliv app and website.
After a rest day, India will clash with their arch-rivals Pakistan on September 14. The semi-finals and final are slated for September 16 and 17, respectively.
“This tournament is one of the highlights of the Asian hockey calendar, and it will be interesting to see the progress Asian teams have made as they prepare for the 2026 Asian Games,” said Vivek Sagar Prasad, India’s vice-captain in the absence of Hardik Singh.
Having arrived in Moqi on September 4, the Indian team is well-prepared for its title defense. “We’ve had ample time to acclimatize to the pitch, and although the evenings get a bit cold, the weather is favorable. The venue is breathtaking—one of the most beautiful hockey settings in the world—and the excitement of hosting an international tournament here is palpable. We look forward to delivering quality matches for the hockey fans of this region,” Vivek Sagar Prasad concluded.
