Harmanpreet Singh Leads Goal-Scoring Chart as Asian Champions Trophy League Stage Nears End

The league stage of the Asian Champions Trophy 2026, being played at the Olympian Surjit Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar, has entered its final phase, with India and Malaysia securing their places in the semi-finals after winning all three of their matches so far.
 

Each participating team has played three league matches, with two games remaining. The final league fixtures will be held on November 1 and 2.
 

India are currently leading the points table on the basis of a better goal difference, while Malaysia occupy second place. Japan are third with two victories, followed by South Korea in fourth position with one win. China and Bangladesh are still waiting for their first victories in the tournament.
 

Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh is leading the goal-scoring chart with five goals after three matches. All five goals have come from penalty corners.
 

Malaysia's Abu Kamal Azrai is second with four goals. India's Mandeep Singh and Abhishek, along with Malaysia's Akhimullah and Azimuddin, have scored three goals each. India's Mandeep Singh has also registered the tournament's only hat-trick so far, scoring three goals against Bangladesh.
 

India to Face Malaysia on November 1
 

November 1 was scheduled as a rest day for all participating teams, with no matches taking place. However, South Korea and Bangladesh players attended practice sessions.
 

The remaining league fixtures will be played as follows:
 

November 1, 2026
 

- South Korea vs Bangladesh – 2:30 pm
 

- China vs Japan – 4:45 pm
 

- India vs Malaysia – 7 pm
 

November 2, 2026
 

- China vs Bangladesh – 2:30 pm
 

- Malaysia vs Japan – 4:45 pm
 

- India vs South Korea – 7 pm
 

The matches will determine the final standings ahead of the knockout stage.
 

Mohali Ready to Host Semi-Finals and Final
 

Meanwhile, Mohali has completed preparations to host the semi-final and final matches of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2026 on November 4 and 5.
 

The matches will take place at the Olympian Balbir Singh Senior International Hockey Stadium in Phase 9, Mohali. Around 13,000 spectators are expected to attend the matches.
 

Sports Secretary Varun Roojam visited the stadium along with senior administrative officials to review the preparations. During the inspection, officials assessed the stadium's infrastructure, spectator facilities, security arrangements, traffic management, technical requirements and other administrative arrangements.
 

Hockey Punjab president and Hockey India vice-president Nitin Kohli invited hockey enthusiasts and sports lovers to attend the international tournament in large numbers and support the participating teams during the semi-finals and final.
 

Mohali Mayor Sarabjit Singh Samana announced that entry to the stadium would be free for spectators.
 

A meeting was also held to review the arrangements in the presence of Special Secretary, Sports Department, Dr SP Anand Kumar; Director Abhijit Kaplish; Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal; SSP Varun Sharma; Municipal Corporation Commissioner Sandeep Singh Garha; and other senior officials.
 

The upcoming matches in Mohali are expected to bring international hockey action to the city as the tournament moves towards its decisive stage.