KUALA LUMPUR: Hosts China could be a threat in the upcoming Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) based on their impressive performances in recent Test matches.
This could be bad news for former Olympic champions India and Sarjit Singh's Speedy Tigers — the champions and runners-up in last year's edition in Chennai.
World No 24 China showed they are ready for the ACT, which starts on Sunday in Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia, by holding world No. 16 Pakistan to a 4-4 draw in their first match on Aug 27 before outplaying the Green Shirts 6-3 in the second encounter three days later.
In the third Test, China, coached by South Korean Yoo Seung Jin, twice came from behind to upset world No. 15 Japan 4-2 on Sept 3.
Japan were the champions of the six-nation Sultan Azlan Shah Cup held in Ipoh in May.
Lin Changliang emerged as the top scorer for China across the three matches, netting four goals, while Gao Jiesheng added three from penalty corners.
Former national captain Nor Saiful Zaini said China's recent results have established them as a team to watch in the ACT.
"China hockey is on a rise and could become the next powerhouse in Asia," said Zaini.
"They have the resources to invest in their national hockey team. Their players are dedicated, fit, and give their best in every match.
"They also have a great coach in Seung Jin, a former South Korean international, who is a good friend of mine.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they beat higher-ranked teams in the ACT and finish on the podium," he added.
The other teams in the ACT are world No. 5 and defending champions India, world No. 13 Malaysia, world No. 14 South Korea, Pakistan, and Japan.
China will open their campaign against four-time champions India on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Malaysia defeated South Korea 4-2 in a friendly in Inner Mongolia today.
Forward Faizal Saari scored a hat-trick in the 13th, 49th and 54th minutes while Faris Harizan added the other in the 35th minute.