Defending champions India qualified for the semifinal of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament after thrashing Malaysia 8-1 for their third successive preliminary round win in Hulunbuir on Wednesday. Raj Kumar Pal (3rd, 25th and 33rd minute), Araijeet Singh Hundal (6th and 39th minute), Jugraj Singh (7th minute), Harmanpreet Singh (22nd minute), and Uttam Singh (40th minute) sounded the board for India. For Malaysia, Akhimullah Anuar (34th minute) managed the solitary strike. India are currently on top of the standings with nine points from three wins.

The six-team tournament is being played in a round-robin format and the top four will advance to the semifinals on September 16 followed by the final on September 17. PTI PM PM SSC SSC

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