Rajkumar Pal's Hat-Trick Powers India to 8-1 Triumph Over Malaysia in Asian Champions Trophy

Rajkumar Pal's hat-trick led the Indian Men's Hockey Team to an 8-1 victory against Malaysia in the Asian Champions Trophy in Moqi, China. The win marks India's third consecutive victory in the tournament, solidifying their top spot on the points table with nine points in three matches.

Rajkumar Pal's sensational hat-trick propelled the Indian Men's Hockey Team to a commanding 8-1 victory over Malaysia in their third match of the Asian Champions Trophy held in Moqi, China, on Wednesday. Besides Rajkumar Pal (3', 25', 33'), Araijeet Singh Hundal (6', 39'), Jugraj Singh (7'), Captain Harmanpreet Singh (22') and Uttam Singh (40') also found the net, contributing to India's third straight win of the tournament. With this triumph, they have strengthened their lead at the top of the points table, garnering nine points from three matches. Malaysia's lone goal was scored by Akhimullah Anuar (34').

Riding high on momentum from consecutive victories, India started the game on an aggressive note. Within the first seven minutes, they netted three goals, putting Malaysia on the back foot. Rajkumar Pal showcased remarkable stickwork to score the first goal in the 3rd minute. Araijeet Singh Hundal doubled the lead in the 6th minute with a top-corner shot, and Jugraj Singh scored the third through a powerful drag-flick during a penalty corner routine in the 7th minute.

Malaysia initially struggled to find their footing but began the second quarter positively. Though they earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute, Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made an easy save. Captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 22nd minute to make it 4-0, and Rajkumar Pal added his second goal in the 25th minute to end the half at 5-0. The third quarter saw India continue their dominance, with Rajkumar completing his hat-trick in the 33rd minute. Malaysia pulled one back through Akhimullah Anuar in the 34th minute, but India quickly responded with goals from Hundal and Uttam in the 39th and 40th minutes, respectively, concluding the third quarter at 8-1. The final quarter was quieter, with no additional goals scored.

Hero of the Match, Araijeet Singh Hundal, expressed his delight over India's third consecutive win, stating, "We want to go all through in every game, we have to win every game, that is what we plan in team meetings. We are here to win. Personally, the last two games were not up to mark, but I am really happy that I scored today. I am getting my confidence back day by day, and I will do much better for India in the upcoming games." India is set to face Korea in their fourth match of the tournament on Thursday, 12th September 2024 at 1315 hrs IST.

(With inputs from agencies.)