September 17, 2024: In a gripping finale, India secured their secured their fifth Asian Champions Trophy titled with a narrow 1-0 victory over hosts China on Tuesday. The decisive moment came late in the match when Jugraj Singh, who had been a substitute, scored a crucial goal in the final quarter to seal India’s triumph.

The game, held at the bustling Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, saw a determined Chinese team put up a formidable fight against the top-ranked Indian squad. Despite China’s vigorous efforts and solid defensive play, including an impressive performance by goalkeeper Wang Weihao, they were unable to break through the Indian defense.

From the outset, China appeared slightly unsettled, but the home team soon found their rhythm, dominating possession and applying pressure. The Chinese supporters, filling the stands, created an electrifying atmosphere that seemed to lift their team’s spirits. However, despite several attempts, China struggled to convert their chances and could not breach the Indian defense.

India, though, faced a challenging game, with the Chinese defense holding strong through the first three quarters. The Indian team, led by Harmanpreet Singh, faced a series of blocked shots and missed opportunities. Sumit’s attempt in the sixth minute was turned away by Weihao, illustrating the difficulty India had in breaking down the Chinese defense.

As the game progressed, the tension mounted, with both sides giving their all. Just when it seemed the match might end in a stalemate, Jugraj Singh’s late goal came as a dramatic turn of events. His field goal, coming at a critical juncture, ensured that India would walk away with the title.