Indian Men's Hockey Team Secures Spot in Super 4s with 3-2 Win Over Japan
India's men's hockey team recorded a 3-2 victory over Japan in their second Pool A fixture at the Asia Cup, securing a spot in the Super 4s stage of the tournament. Captain Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh scored for India, while Kosei Kawabe netted twice for Japan. The match marked a special milestone for goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who celebrated his 150th international appearance. India's win was fueled by two quick goals in the first five minutes, with Sukhjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh combining for the first goal and Harmanpreet Singh scoring the second on a penalty corner.
Key Takeaways:
- India secured a spot in the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup with a 3-2 win over Japan in their second Pool A fixture.
- Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice for India, with Mandeep Singh also finding the net in the 4th minute.
- Kosei Kawabe scored twice for Japan, with the goals coming in the 38th and 59th minutes.
- India's goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak celebrated his 150th international appearance in the match.
- Japan earned a penalty corner in the 13th minute but failed to convert, with India's defence holding firm.
- India's captain Harmanpreet Singh was given a yellow card in the final minute, reducing the team to 10 men.
Statistics:
- India scored two quick goals in the first five minutes, with Sukhjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh combining for the first goal.
- Harmanpreet Singh scored on a penalty corner in the 5th minute, doubling India's lead.
- Japan earned two penalty corners in the second quarter but failed to capitalize on the opportunities.
- Kosei Kawabe scored twice for Japan, with the goals coming in the 38th and 59th minutes.
- India won a crucial penalty corner in the third quarter, which Harmanpreet Singh converted to restore their two-goal cushion.
Sources:
- Government of India
- Government of India (4)
- The match was played at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar on Sunday.