India 3-1 South Korea Hockey LIVE Updates Asian Champions Trophy 2026 Semi-Final: Shilanand Lakra Gets His Second Goal

India restored their advantage just moments after South Korea's equalizer, retaking the lead through a clinical set-piece execution. Earning a penalty corner in response to the Korean strike, the defending champions turned to captain Harmanpreet Singh, who uncorked a trademark, high-velocity drag flick that ripped past the opposition goalkeeper to make it 2-1 in a frantic opening sequence.

South Korea drew level shortly after, responding with a quick goal to equalize the scores. Han Sangjun anticipated a cross whipped into the circle, getting a decisive touch to deflect the ball past Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and into the back of the net.

Defending champions India got off to an explosive start, drawing first blood just three minutes into the match. Dilpreet Singh set up the opening goal with a brilliant solo run down the left flank before driving a sharp pass into the center. Shilanand Lakra read the move perfectly, timing his run to get his stick to the ball and guide it into the back of the net to give the hosts an early lead.

Fans in India can catch the live action of the India vs South Korea Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 semifinal through both television and digital platforms. The high-stakes match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network, with telecasts available across the Star Sports 2 and Star Sports Select 2 TV channels. For digital viewers, the fixture will be live-streamed online via the JioHotstar app and website, while international audiences outside of India can tune into the action live on Watch.Hockey.

Barring a major upset, India should go in as the favourites to make the final. Malaysia will play Japan in the other semi-final.

Jalandhar's fast, green surface suited their game, while the Mohali semi-final will take place on the more familiar blue turf.

India have scored 34 times and conceded only five goals in their title defence so far.

Sukhjeet Singh has looked sharp up front. Mandeep and Shilanand Lakra may need to shoulder more responsibility, while Aditya Lalage and Angad Bir Singh, who handled their roles well, will need to contribute more again.

So far, India have hardly been tested. Nain's absence made no difference against Korea, but complacency is the one thing they must avoid in the rematch.

Coach Craig Fulton said the team would not force him back too soon. “We have to wait and see, check in with the physio. Losing a key player is not ideal but we can’t rush him,” Fulton said.

India have one concern. The side was still unsure about Abhishek Nain's availability for the knockout rounds after the forward twisted his ankle in the warm-up against Malaysia.

Mohali's current venue was not even there the last time international hockey was played in Chandigarh. Before the stadium came up, the site was essentially used as parking space for the larger cricket ground across the road.

There is also a slice of history in the move. Chandigarh last staged international hockey 17 years ago, and the sport has changed a lot since then, not least with the demise of the Indian Hockey Federation and the emergence of Hockey India.

Monday closed out play at the Olympian Surjit hockey stadium in Jalandhar. Wednesday opens action at the Olympian Balbir Singh stadium in Mohali, and international hockey is returning to Chandigarh after a 17-year gap.

Welcome to our live coverage of the Men's Asian Champions Trophy 2026 first semifinal between defending champions India and South Korea at the Olympian Balbir Singh (Senior) International Hockey Stadium in Mohali! The hosts enter this high-stakes knockout match on a dominant streak, having stormed through the group stage with five consecutive victories, including a commanding 8-0 win over the Koreans in their final pool fixture. Stay tuned as we bring you real-time updates, key moments, and play-by-play commentary straight from the turf!