India registered their second consecutive victory at the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, defeating China 5-2 at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar on Thursday.
Sukhjeet Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice each to lead the defending champions to a commanding win. Sukhjeet opened India’s account in the 12th minute with an excellent finish, lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper. Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner in the 27th minute after Yang Peng had equalised for China.
Harmanpreet struck again in the 31st minute to make it 3-1, before Sukhjeet completed his brace three minutes later. Chen Chongcong reduced China’s deficit with a penalty-corner conversion in the 36th minute. India maintained their attacking pressure in the final quarter, with Jugraj Singh scoring from a penalty corner in the 47th minute to seal the 5-2 victory.
Sukhjeet was named Player of the Match.
India had opened their campaign with a dominant 13-0 victory over Bangladesh and now lead the standings with six points from two matches and a goal difference of +16. Malaysia and Japan also have six points.