NEW DELHI: Defending champions India secured their second consecutive win in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, defeating Japan 5-1 in a league match on Monday in Hulunbuir.
Sukhjeet Singh scored twice in the second and 60th minutes, supported by goals from Abhishek, Sanjay, and Uttam Singh. Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa managed to net a consolation goal in the 41st minute.
India, who had previously beaten China 3-0 in their opening league match, made a strong start.
Sukhjeet opened the scoring in just the second minute with a field goal, capitalizing on a cross from Sanjay. Abhishek doubled the lead in the next minute, dribbling past several Japanese defenders and scoring by rounding off the goalkeeper.
The second quarter saw India extend their lead to 3-0, with Sanjay converting a penalty corner in the 17th minute. The dominant half left India in a comfortable position while Japan, third-place finishers in the 2023 edition of the tournament, tried to regroup.
Japan earned a penalty corner in the 21st minute but could not convert, as India’s defense blocked the drag-flick. This led to a swift counter-attack by India, ending just inches from the goal.
India’s 67 percent ball possession in the second quarter allowed for 11 circle entries and three shots on goal, showing their dominance. After the half-time break, India maintained their momentum but faced resistance from Japan.
Japan managed to score in the 41st minute through Kazumasa, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Indian goalie Krishan Pathak had little chance to stop the well-executed field goal.
Shortly before Japan’s goal, India had a near-miss when Vivek Sagar fell short of scoring a fourth goal. However, India added a fourth goal in the 54th minute, as Jarmanpreet Singh assisted Uttam Singh to convert a fine field goal.
Sukhjeet finalized the scoreline with his second goal in the 60th minute from an assist by Abhishek, capping a comprehensive team performance.
“It was a complete team effort today and we stuck to basics. We produced good attack and ensured we were on target,” Hero of the Match Abhishek said.
Harmanpreet Singh-led India will meet last-edition’s runners-up Malaysia on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.
After the round-robin league among the six teams, the top-four sides qualify for the semifinals to be played on September 16. The final is scheduled for September 17.
Sukhjeet Singh scored twice in the second and 60th minutes, supported by goals from Abhishek, Sanjay, and Uttam Singh. Japan’s Matsumoto Kazumasa managed to net a consolation goal in the 41st minute.
India, who had previously beaten China 3-0 in their opening league match, made a strong start.
Sukhjeet opened the scoring in just the second minute with a field goal, capitalizing on a cross from Sanjay. Abhishek doubled the lead in the next minute, dribbling past several Japanese defenders and scoring by rounding off the goalkeeper.
The second quarter saw India extend their lead to 3-0, with Sanjay converting a penalty corner in the 17th minute. The dominant half left India in a comfortable position while Japan, third-place finishers in the 2023 edition of the tournament, tried to regroup.
Japan earned a penalty corner in the 21st minute but could not convert, as India’s defense blocked the drag-flick. This led to a swift counter-attack by India, ending just inches from the goal.
India’s 67 percent ball possession in the second quarter allowed for 11 circle entries and three shots on goal, showing their dominance. After the half-time break, India maintained their momentum but faced resistance from Japan.
Japan managed to score in the 41st minute through Kazumasa, narrowing the deficit to 3-1. Indian goalie Krishan Pathak had little chance to stop the well-executed field goal.
Shortly before Japan’s goal, India had a near-miss when Vivek Sagar fell short of scoring a fourth goal. However, India added a fourth goal in the 54th minute, as Jarmanpreet Singh assisted Uttam Singh to convert a fine field goal.
Sukhjeet finalized the scoreline with his second goal in the 60th minute from an assist by Abhishek, capping a comprehensive team performance.
“It was a complete team effort today and we stuck to basics. We produced good attack and ensured we were on target,” Hero of the Match Abhishek said.
Harmanpreet Singh-led India will meet last-edition’s runners-up Malaysia on Wednesday, as Tuesday is a rest day.
After the round-robin league among the six teams, the top-four sides qualify for the semifinals to be played on September 16. The final is scheduled for September 17.
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