A strong Indian men’s hockey team defeated China 7-0 in their last Super 4s game, led by striker Abhishek, to advance to the Asia Cup event final at Rajgir in Bihar on Saturday.
Shilanand Lakra (4th), Dilpreet Singh (7th), Mandeep Singh (18th), Raj Kumar Pal (37th), and Sukhjeet Singh (39th) sounded the board in a one-sided contest until Abhishek scored in the 46th and 50th minutes.
In Sunday’s final, India will play South Korea, the reigning winners.
The victory put India at the top of the Super 4s league standings with seven points, followed by South Korea in second place with four points, ahead of China and Malaysia, both of which had three points.
India is now one step closer to earning a spot in the World Cup the next year.
India had previously defeated Malaysia 4-1 before playing a 2-2 draw with South Korea in their two Super 4s games.
The continental tournament winners will advance to the World Cup, which Belgium and the Netherlands will jointly host the following year.
