Category Archives: World Opinion

GLOBAL: SPORTS / CHESS: Two Indians in World Top five for the first time ever – Arjun Erigaisi World #3, Gukesh #5

India’s historic performance at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 caused a lot of huge changes in the rating list. Arjun Erigaisi is now World no.3. He gained 19.2 Elo rating points for his stellar performance on Board no.3. The World Championship Challenger, D Gukesh is now World no.5. He gained a whopping 30.1 Elo rating points. Both Arjun and Gukesh won double Gold. Vidit Gujrathi gained 6 rating points, Harikrishna 2.1. Currently, there are four Indians in top 12, five in top 22, six in top 33, seven in top 42 and eleven in top 98. Among the Women, four Indians maintain their top 15 places. IM Divya Deshmukh moved up to World no.11 and India no.2 among women after her fantastic double Gold medal winning run at the Olympiad. She crossed 2500 and her rating is now 2501. Another double Gold winning – IM Vantika Agrawal gained 22.1 and IM Tania Sachdev increased her rating by 10.2 points.

A fantastic month for the Indians, Divya Deshmukh crosses 2500, now India #2 among Women

September 2024 has been a fantastic month for the Indians. D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Tania Sachdev are the rating gainers. The highest gainer is Gukesh. Arjun Erigaisi climbed to World no.3. Two Indians in World Top five for the first time ever. Divya claiming the India no.2 spot among Women. Gukesh, Arjun, Divya and Vantika also won a double Gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024.

Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, Vishy Anand and R Praggnanandhaa stay in World top 12 | Source: FIDE

There are still eleven Indians in World Top 100 | Source: FIDE

Women: Four Indians stay in Top 15, Divya Deshmukh World no.11 and India no.2

Four Indian women maintain their place in top 15. IM Divya Deshmukh gained 17.5 Elo rating points at 45th Chess Olympiad 2024. Her stellar performance earned her an individual Gold on Board no.3. She also crossed 2500 and now has a rating of 2501. Her rank is now World no.11 and India no.2 among Women. IM Vantika Agrawal also won a double Gold at the 45th Olympiad. Her fantastic performance earned her an individual Gold on Board no.4 and she increased her Elo rating 22.1 points. Currently, there are nine Indians among the top 100 women.

Four Indians in World Top 15 among Women | Source: FIDE

Nine Indians are among World Top 100 Women | Source: FIDE

Countries

India is still no.2 in October FIDE Rating list in terms of average rating of top ten players, 13 Elo rating points behind the USA. The gap between USA and India got reduced from 19 to 11 from September to October.


Four Indians in World Top 15 among Women | Source: FIDE

source/content: chessbase.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: BEAUTY PAGEANT : Meet Dhruvi Patel, Miss India Worldwide 2024, a Gujarati NRI, techie, founder of…

This techie from Gujarat has been crowned as the Miss India Worldwide 2024.

Dhruvi Patel has been crowned as Miss India Worldwide 2024, the longest running Indian pageant outside of India. An NRI techie, Dhruvi has carved out her niche in the pageantry world and this is not the first time when she won a pageant. She has a hall of fame that speaks of the many titles she won and events she participated in. This techie turned pageant winner, started young and has bigger aspirations to complete.

“Winning Miss India Worldwide is such an incredible honour. It’s more than a crown – it represents my heritage, my values, and the opportunity to inspire others on a global scale,” Dhruvi said after her crowning in Edison, New Jersey.

Who is Dhruvi Patel, NRI techie with big dreams

Dhruvi has always been fascinated with world of fashion. Since the age of 8, Dhruvi was inclined towards the glitz and glamour for the pageantry realm. In an interview she mentioned, “Unfortunately, school commitments took precedence, and I couldn’t pursue my interest back then. Now, with a renewed passion, I am eager to balance academics and aspirations as I embark on my journey into the world of pageantry.”

In 2023, she was crowned Miss India New England. She has also won Miss Rhode Island and was a contestant in the Miss World America Pageant.

Patel’s roots speak of rich and vibrant culture of Gujarat. Currently, she resides in Hamden, Connecticut, with her parents and siblings. In a bid to pursue her passion in the field of IT, she joined Dhruvi joined Quinnipiac University in 2021 as Computer Information System student.

Well, Dhruvi is not just another engineer who won a title. The Indian origin techie aspires to one day become UNICEF brand ambassador and also make her debut in Bollywood! She runs a home-based nonprofit called 3D Charities. She runs the organisation along with her siblings Darsh and Dhriti.

Apart from preparing for pageants, working up as Computer Science professional, Patel also enjoys the realm of sports as per report.

About Miss India Worldwide 2024

Lisa Abdoelhak from Suriname was declared the first runner-up, while Malvika Sharma from the Netherlands was adjudged the second runner-up in the same race, as reported by PTI. In the Mrs category, SuAnn Mouttet from Trinidad and Tobago was the winner, with Sneha Nambiar the first and Pawandip Kaur from the United Kingdom the second-runner up.

In the Teen category, Sierra Suret from Guadeloupe was crowned Miss Teen India Worldwide. Shreya Singh from the Netherlands and Shradha Tedjoe from Suriname were declared the first and second runners-up. The beauty pageant is organised by New York-based India Festival Committee and is headed by Indian-Americans Neelam and Dharmatma Saran.

The crown is celebrating its 31st anniversary this year.

source/content: india.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: INTERNATIONAL TRADE: India-UAE bilateral trade set to surpass $100 billion target before 2030. UAE remains India’s 03rd Largest Trade Partner and 02nd Largest Export Destination

The bilateral trade between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is on track to surpass the $100 billion target well before 2030, underscored by a notable 12.7 per cent (year-on-year) increase, according to a report on Tuesday.

The UAE remains India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination (FY2022-23).

According to a report by Primus Partners, Bilateral trade reached $85 billion in FY 2022-23 and is expected to cross the 2030 target of $100 billion well before the expected timeline.

The India-UAE economic relationship strengthened with the recent visit of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India. The two countries signed five MoUs, following the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince.

The India-UAE trade relations are entering a new era, driven by structural reforms like 2022 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) that have dismantled long-standing barriers.

“This shows how this trade growth is not only strengthening existing sectors like gems, jewellery, and IT but is also paving the way for emerging industries such as green energy and food security,” said Nilaya Varma, CEO and Co-founder of Primus Partners.

Both countries lead the path for key collaborative ventures, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) as well as the India-Israel-UAE-US (I2U2) coalition.

The India-UAE economic relationship is set to be further cemented with initiatives like the implementation of a master dashboard to oversee critical infrastructure projects; establishment of a bilateral e-commerce marketplace for goods and services, potentially leveraging India’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) model and creation of an online digital repository highlighting investable projects in identified strategic sectors,

Nader Haffar, Director of Primus Partners UAE, said that the bilateral relationship has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that is reshaping the future of regional and global trade.

“This synergy between two of the world’s fastest-growing economies is creating new opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a foundation for long-term prosperity that could serve as a global model for emerging market partnerships,” Haffar added.

Gems and jewellery, traditionally a cornerstone of trade, have seen increased activity under the CEPA. The metals, stones, gems, and jewellery sector is among India’s key exports to the UAE.

Additionally, India’s agricultural exports to the UAE, including cereals, sugar, fruits, vegetables, and tea, contribute significantly to the trade basket, helping to address the UAE’s food security objectives.

–IANS

source/content: in.investing.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: RANKING: India Ranks as Third Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpassing Japan in Asia Power Index

India has become the third most powerful nation in Asia, surpassing Japan in the Asia Power Index. The Asia Power Index report for 2024 indicated that strong post-COVID economic growth has led India to increase its economic capability by 4.2 points. The report also highlights that India performed well across all other resource measures, especially in future resources, where its score rose by 8.2 points. This growth suggests that India’s youthful population may deliver a demographic dividend in the decades to come, unlike many other countries in Asia.

India’s Diplomatic Influence has also risen in the Asia Power Index. In 2023, India increased its tempo of diplomatic activity, participating in the sixth-highest number of dialogues with countries included in the Asia Power Index. This helped India surpass Japan, reinforcing its status as the third-largest power in the index and reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature.

The Asia Power Index ranks 27 countries and territories based on their capacity to shape their external environment, with its scope reaching as far west as Pakistan, as far north as Russia, and as far into the Pacific as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.

source/content: newsonair.gov.in (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL: TREATIES: India signs High Seas Treaty for fair, equitable sharing of benefits (BBNJ) Agreement

The treaty follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes best available scientific knowledge.

India has signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, which seeks to promote the conservation of marine genetic resources and the fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

“India is proud to join the BBNJ Agreement, an important step towards ensuring that our oceans remain healthy and resilient,” external affairs minister S Jaishankar said in a post on X after singing the treaty at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Wednesday.

The agreement, or the High Seas Treaty, is an international accord under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The high seas cover areas nearly two-thirds (64%) of the ocean – almost half the planet’s surface. It includes some of the most ecologically vital, but critically threatened and least protected areas on earth; less than 1% of what is fully or highly protected.

The treaty aims to address the growing concerns over the long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. It sets precise mechanisms for the sustainable use of marine biological diversity through international cooperation and coordination. Parties cannot claim or exercise sovereign rights over marine resources derived from the high seas and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits.

The treaty follows an inclusive, integrated, ecosystem-centric approach based on the precautionary principle and promotes using traditional knowledge and the best available scientific knowledge. It seeks to minimise impacts on the marine environment through area-based management tools and establishes rules for conducting environmental impact assessments.

In March 2023, after five years of negotiations, the world reached a significant milestone in efforts to stem global biodiversity decline when nations agreed to the new High Seas Treaty to protect ocean life. Once it has been ratified by at least 60 countries, the treaty will provide the legal framework to address many of the governance gaps that have plagued the ocean and provide a roadmap to conserve biodiversity areas beyond national jurisdictions.

According to the High Seas Alliance, following two decades of discussions, the implementing agreement to UNCLOS on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction – or High Seas Treaty – is the world’s first cohesive, international and legally binding framework to specifically protect high seas biodiversity.

At a workshop on the BBNJ in Chennai last month, PK Srivastava, an advisor to the Union earth sciences ministry, said the ministry will establish a dedicated institutional mechanism to oversee the developments regarding the agreement. “This authority will deal with the necessary regulations, studies, and other activities related to the treaty,” Srivastava said.

He emphasised the need for detailed discussions and modifications to existing legislation to ensure compatibility with the requirements for the effective implementation of the treaty. Srivastava said the Environment Protection Act could be used for the environmental impact assessment of the BBNJ Agreement.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: REGIONAL – ASIA : India emerges as Asia’s 3rd most powerful nation, Hardeep Puri credits PM Modi’s leadership

The Sydney-based Lowy Institute has placed India as the third most powerful nation in its Asia Power Index 2024, just behind China and Japan.

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri welcomed India’s ascent into the select league and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for propelling the nation to global superpower status.

Puri, lauding the country’s rising prominence, said, “India’s rise is no accident. This is the direct result of Prime Minister Modi’s aggressive diplomatic strategy and his bold ambitions to reshape India’s place in the world. Without his leadership, India would still be languishing behind, but today, we see a nation on the verge of superpower status.”

The latest Asia Power Index, released by the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, said that India, being seen as a potential superpower for a long time, has finally started flexing its muscles on the regional stage.

“India’s power in Asia is growing while that of China is plateauing despite its continued economic and military growth,” the report said.

The Lowy Institute report notes India’s significant gains in Economic Capability, Diplomatic Activity, and Future Resources, signalling a demographic dividend that could fuel its continued rise.

Hardeep Puri said, “It’s PM Modi’s tireless effort on the world stage that has put India back on the map. He has taken India’s nonalignment policy and transformed it into a powerful tool for gaining leverage in global diplomacy.”

He further stated, “While countries like China are ageing and facing a slowdown India, under PM Modi, has the resources and the leadership to take the throne as the new kingmaker of Asia.”

“Those who question Modi’s impact on India’s rise need only look at the facts. India’s trajectory is up, and the world can no longer ignore it,” he added.

The senior BJP leader also took a shot at previous Congress governments and said, “The country was left rudderless by the previous government’s indecisive and directionless approach. They said the Indian economy will be third largest by 2043 and PM Modi is guaranteeing it will be so in his third term itself. The IMF has, in fact, recently forecast that India will be the third largest economy by 2027. Under their leadership, India would never have made it to the top three on any power index.”

source/content: daijiworld.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: SPORTS / CHESS: Team India win historic twin golds in both Men & Women, for the 1st time at the ‘2024 Chess Olympiad’

Both the Indian men’s and women’s teams secured their first gold medals during the tournament.

Both the Indian men’s and women’s teams secured gold on a historic Sunday at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. It began with the men being crowned champions in the open section.

The team claimed its first gold medal in the last round after second-placed China dropped points on two boards against the USA, while India’s Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh secured wins for the team.

Gukesh concluded the Olympiad for both the nation and himself with a victory over Slovenian Vladimir Fedoseev, helping India secure the historic gold medal. Arjun Erigaisi also claimed a win against Slovenian Jan Subelj on the tournament’s final day. Praggnanandhaa also ended his campaign with a win.

The Indian team had an almost perfect run, starting with eight wins before being held to a draw by Uzbekistan, the defending champions.

Nonetheless, India bounced back, defeating the USA in the penultimate round to clinch the title.

The men’s team for the open category consisted of Gukesh, Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan. This marks India’s first Olympiad gold when the event is held in person, as the last gold was shared during the pandemic when the event took place online.

With this run in the 2024 Olympiad, India showcased its best performance to date. Their previous best performances were in 2022 on home soil (Chennai) and 2014 (Tromsø, Norway) when they clinched bronze.

Heading into the final round, India topped the board with 19 points, while China and Slovenia were in second and third place, respectively.

Indian Women’s team clinch maiden gold

The Indian women’s team also clinched gold in the 45th FIDE Women’s Chess Olympiad.

The Indian women’s team consisted of Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev and Abhijit Kunte (Captain).

In the final round Divya Deshmukh, D Harika and Vantika Agarwal won against their opponents while R Vaishali had to settle for a draw.

USA, which held title-chasing Kazakhstan to a draw helped the Indian women claim their first gold.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

REGIONAL: SUBCONTINENT: NATIONAL: Survey that reshaped a sub-continent

In the early 19th century, a monumental scientific project began that would leave a profound mark on the Indian subcontinent.

Photo: SNS

In the early 19th century, a monumental scientific project began that would leave a profound mark on the Indian subcontinent. The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, initiated in 1802, was not merely about cartography; it was a groundbreaking venture that reshaped the landscape of India through precision, innovation, and vision. Spearheaded by British infantry officer William Lambton under the East India Company, this survey transformed the understanding of the subcontinent’s geography and had far-reaching impacts on administration, economy and cultural heritage. The Great Trigonometrical Survey officially commenced on 10 April 1802, with the measurement of a crucial baseline near Madras (now Chennai). Major Lambton, who was tasked with leading this ambitious project, carefully selected a flat plain for the initial measurement.

The baseline stretched 7.5 miles (12.1 km) and was marked by St. Thomas Mount at the north and Perumbauk Hill at the southern end. This baseline was the first step in a meticulous process that aimed to map the vast Indian subcontinent with unprecedented accuracy. Lambton’s choice of a flat plain for the initial baseline was strategic. Accurate measurements were crucial for the success of the survey, and a flat, unobstructed baseline allowed for more precise calculations. The work began with the meticulous measurement of this baseline, which would serve as the foundation for the extensive triangulation network that followed. The Great Trigonometrical Survey utilized advanced trigonometric techniques to measure distances and angles across the vast expanse of India.

The method involved creating a network of triangles, using the baseline measurements as a reference point. By measuring angles and distances within these triangles, surveyors were able to map the terrain with remarkable precision. One of the most notable achievements of the survey was the accurate measurement of the meridian arc from the southern tip of India to Nepal. This endeavour required surveying through varied and challenging terrain, including the Himalayan mountain range. The precision achieved in this measurement allowed for the calculation of the Earth’s circumference with astonishing accuracy and contributed to global scientific knowledge. For the British East India Company, the survey was more than a scientific undertaking; it was a crucial tool for effective administration and control. The detailed maps produced by the survey enabled the British to manage the vast and diverse regions of India with greater efficiency.

Accurate geographical information facilitated better planning of infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, and irrigation systems. The survey’s precise maps were instrumental in the collection of land revenue, as they provided detailed information about land use and boundaries. This information was crucial for implementing administrative policies and managing the economic resources of the subcontinent. The improved accuracy in mapping also played a key role in the strategic planning of military campaigns and the consolidation of British rule across India. The detailed maps created by the Great Trigonometrical Survey had a transformative effect on the Indian economy. The accurate depiction of geographical features facilitated the construction of infrastructure that was vital for economic development.

Railways, roads, and irrigation systems were planned and executed with greater precision, fostering economic growth and integration. The expansion of the railway network, for instance, connected previously isolated regions, facilitating trade and commerce. This connectivity helped create a unified market across the subcontinent, stimulating economic activity and development. The survey’s work in mapping resources and land use patterns also contributed to the optimization of agricultural practices and resource extraction, further boosting economic growth. Beyond its immediate practical benefits, the Great Trigonometrical Survey left a lasting legacy in the fields of science and culture. The survey’s precision and methodology advanced the science of geodesy and set new standards for geographic measurement. The accurate geographic coordinates established by the survey influenced future scientific research and exploration. Culturally, the survey contributed to a deeper understanding of India’s diverse geography and historical landmarks. By documenting and mapping ancient sites and natural features, the survey helped preserve India’s cultural heritage.

The detailed maps provided insights into the region’s historical and cultural landscape, enriching the appreciation of India’s heritage. The significance of the Great Trigonometrical Survey is commemorated by several memorials across India. One notable example is Lambton’s Memorial in the village of Perumbauk, which marks the site where the initial baseline measurement began. These memorials serve as a testament to the monumental effort and achievements of the survey, honouring the contributions of Major Lambton and his team. The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India was a landmark project that reshaped the Indian subcontinent in multiple dimensions.

From its meticulous beginning with the measurement of a 7.5-mile baseline near Madras to its profound impacts on administration, economy, and culture, the survey was a transformative endeavour. Its legacy endures through the precise maps it produced, the infrastructure it helped develop, and the scientific advancements it inspired. The Great Trigonometrical Survey stands as a testament to the power of scientific innovation in shaping the course of history and transforming societies.

(The writer is Santosh Mathew, Associate Professor, Centre for South Asian Studies, Pondicherry Central University.)

source/content: thestatesman.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: NATIONAL / SPACE : 40 years after astronaut Rakesh Sharma, Shubhanshu Shukla is the first Indian to travel to space: Here’s how is gearing up for ISS

In a monumental step for India’s space program, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will pilot the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025, TOI has reported.

This mission will mark India’s first human presence aboard the ISS and its second government-sponsored human spaceflight in more than four decades, following Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s 1984 mission with the Soviet Union.

The Ax-4 mission is the result of a collaborative initiative between India and the United States. More than a year ago, during an official state visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that an Indian astronaut would travel to the ISS. Following this, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) signed a spaceflight agreement with Axiom Space, a leading American company in human spaceflight services.

Shukla, an experienced IAF test pilot, will be part of an international crew, with fellow Indian astronaut and backup pilot Group Captain Prashanth Nair also from the IAF. The mission will be commanded by renowned astronaut Peggy Whitson. Sharing details of Shukla’s responsibilities, Whitson told The Times of India, “As the Ax-4 pilot, Shukla will assist me in conducting essential spacecraft operations, such as navigation and docking procedures. Training will prepare him to handle emergencies and perform critical system checks. Additionally, Shukla will support scientific research by setting up and managing microgravity experiments.”

The Ax-4 mission is expected to play a crucial role in advancing India’s space capabilities, particularly as the country prepares for its own crewed mission, the Gaganyaan project. In a recent Instagram Live session, Isro Chairman S Somanath revealed that the Indian astronaut will conduct five experiments aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission, gaining valuable experience in space operations and international collaboration.

Whitson further elaborated on the rigorous training that Shukla and his fellow crew members are undergoing. “We work closely with NASA and other international space agencies to ensure smooth integration with ISS. Additionally, Axiom invests in cutting-edge medical research and technology to monitor and maintain astronaut health during missions,” she explained. “By leveraging these strategies, Axiom Space aims to mitigate risks and ensure the success of our missions.”

Training for the mission will be conducted at multiple facilities, including NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The preparation covers all aspects of the mission, from safety protocols and health management to ISS systems operations. According to Whitson, “We practise in ISS mockups, reviewing procedures and enacting emergency scenarios to ensure we’re ready for any situation.”

The Ax-4 mission will utilize SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft, known for its advanced life support systems and automated docking capabilities. This will ensure a safe journey for the crew, who will spend up to 14 days aboard the ISS.

Joining Shukla and Whitson on the mission are specialists Slawosz Uznanski from Poland and Tibor Kapu from Hungary. Uznanski, an expert in radiation testing and space electronics, is a member of ESA’s 2022 Astronaut Reserve Class, while Kapu, selected for Hungary’s Hunor Astronaut Programme, brings his expertise in space radiation protection and pharmaceutical research.

Whitson emphasized the global significance of the Ax-4 mission, saying, “The Ax-4 crew will spend up to 14 days aboard ISS. This mission will realize the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the space station in history and second govt-sponsored human spaceflight mission in over 40 years. This mission emphasizes how Axiom Space is redefining the pathway to low-Earth orbit and elevating national space programs globally.”

In addition to strengthening international cooperation, the Ax-4 mission will support the development of commercial space activities. “Axiom Space missions play a pivotal role in advancing international cooperation in space exploration. By partnering with organizations like ESA, Isro, and Hunor, Axiom fosters collaboration in human spaceflight, research, and technology development,” Whitson explained.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gears up for this groundbreaking mission, India is poised to make significant strides in space exploration, bolstering its role on the global stage.

(With TOI inputs)

source/content: economictimes.indiatimes.com (headline edited)






INTERNATIONAL: REGIONAL – ASIA / SPORTS – FIELD HOCKEY : India Wins 05th Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Title; Beats China Courtesy Jugraj Singh’s Solitary Goal

India’s hockey team extended their winning streak in the Asian Champions Trophy by winning the tournament for the fifth time beating China 1-0 in the final. Jugraj Singh came up with an impressive field goal and helped the team seal a victory.

Indian hockey team continued their domination in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy beating China 1-0 in the final. With a triumph at the Moqi Hockey Training Base, India won the title for the fifth time in the history of the tournament. Also, they were the only undefeated team in the tournament winning all of the seven matches they played.

Jugraj Singh was the difference between the two sides as he scored the solitary goal of the fixture in the fourth quarter as skipper Harmanpreet Singh provided an assist for the Indian defender. The decisive goal from Jugraj came in the 51st minute.

India and China had locked horns against each other in the tournament with the former winning the fixture by 3-0. Harmanpreet and Co. were coming into the game as favourites considering a superior ranking and previous record. However, China didn’t give up without a fight and made India fight hard to lift the title.

India triumphs after a fierce battle

The first real chance for India came in the ninth minute but the Chinese defence was up to the task to save it. When India got another chance, Harmanpreet missed the target. China looked stronger in the first quarter as they tasted Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak multiple times. China parked the bus in the second quarter but India had a chance in the 27th minute. Harmanpreet took aim at the goal but the ball bounced off the post. By the half-time, the scoreline was reading 0-0.

India started on an attacking note in the third quarter and produced a string of fine attacks but the Chinese defence was resolute once again. The first-time finalists created a couple of chances in the third quarter but the Indian team kept them at bay. The deadlock was finally broken in the 51st minute as Harmanpreet made a stellar run in the D and set up a goal for Jugraj who provided a brilliant finish.

India wins the Asian Champions Trophy for the fifth time

This was India’s record-breaking fifth title as they won the tournament earlier in 2011, 2016, and 2023. In 2018, they were the joint winners along with Pakistan who are the second-most successful side. Pakistan has won the tournament thrice while South Korea won the title in 2021. Notably, it was the best-ever tournament run for China as they made it to the final of the tournament for the first time.

Pakistan finished in third place

Pakistan beat South Korea by 5-2 in the match for the third position. Pakistan lost against China in the semi-final but made up for their loss by finishing the tournament at the third spot in the tournament.

source/content: etvbharat.com (headline edited)