Published By: Sayan Guha

India Eyes Glory in Asian Champions Trophy Final: A Battle with PRC for the Crown: All You Need to Know

Whatever happens, this final promises to be a cracker

It's that time again, people! The 2024 Asian Champions Trophy has come down to the final match, a classic fight between India and the PRC. The four-time winner, India, is the clear favourite, but it is the final, and anything can happen. Let's go into today's major game and look at how both teams got here, India's domination in this tournament, and who to watch out for.

India's dominance at the Asian Champions Trophy

Regarding the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT), India is the side to beat. India has won the trophy four times, more than any other country. India has continuously been a powerhouse since their first title in 2011 until their most recent victory in 2023 over Malaysia. And this year? So, it's no different. They've reached the final for the sixth time in eight editions. Isn't it an impressive record?


Remember in 2018 when India split the championship with PAK due to rain (a surprise twist!). However, India's domination in Asian hockey has remained unrivalled. They're now focused on a fifth title.

The road to the final

India has been nothing short of spectacular this season. They began the competition with a 3-0 shutout over PRC, and everything has gone smoothly since then. The victories simply kept coming: 5-1 over Japan, 8-1 against Malaysia, 3-1 against South Korea, and 2-1 in a hard-fought encounter against PAK. By the time they encountered South Korea in the semi-finals, India was full of confidence and easily triumphed 4-1.

Top players for India

If you've been following the competition, you'll know that Harmanpreet Singh is on fire, scoring five goals. The Indian skipper has been devastating with his drag flicks, and his leadership has been exceptional. His brace against South Korea in the semi-finals is only a taste of his capabilities.

But Harmanpreet isn't alone. Jarmanpreet Singh, with his imaginative runs, has been instrumental in India's offence, while Uttam Singh has contributed critical goals. Don't get me started on the goalkeepers, Krishan Pathak and Suraj Karkera. They've made essential stops and kept India's defence intact.

A look at the opponent – PRC 

Now, let us discuss about the PRC, as they are formally called in the hockey world. This may be their first final appearance in the Asian Champions Trophy but don't count them out just yet. They've had uneven successes, but what sticks out is their perseverance. PRC lost three games in the group stage but advanced to the elimination rounds.

Their biggest shocker was beating PAK in the semi-finals. PRC kept their nerve in a thrilling shootout, winning 2-0 and securing a place in the final. While they may not have the same pedigree as India, their road to the final demonstrates that they are not pushovers.


The PRC's journey was less smooth than India's. India outplayed them in the group stages (loss 0-3), and they also battled against PAK (1-5) and South Korea (2-3). However, the PRC demonstrated their might by beating Malaysia 4-2 and Japan 2-0. The semi-final victory over Pakistan boosted confidence, and they now have nothing to lose in the final.

Who will lift the trophy?

It's always tricky to predict the finals, right? Sure, India is the favourite, but the PRC will play under no pressure, making them dangerous. Could the PRC pull off an upset in the tournament? Or will India go on to win their sixth Asian Champions Trophy?