India is successfully defending their title of being the runaway favourities. Raj Kumar Pal’s hat-trick steered India to humble Malaysia by 8-1 in their third group match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024 hockey on Wednesday. The  tournament took place at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, the People’s Republic of China 

Raj Kumar Pal initiated the scoring, and after the break, he earned his first international hat-trick. Later on Araijeet Singh Hundal struck two goals. Along with the captain Harmanpreet Singh, Jugrai Singh and Uttam Singh scored one each. 

With the win against Malaysia, India now secured their lead with nine points on the table. 

Now team India is set to play against the People's Republic of Korea on Thursday.  

The player of the match, Araijeet Singh Hundal stated - "We want to go all through in every game, we have to win every game, that is what we plan in team meetings,”

He continued - “We are here to win. Personally, the last two games were not up to mark, but I'm really happy that I scored today. I am getting my confidence back day by day, and I will do much better for India in the upcoming games.”