Harmanpreet’s Double Secures India’s Thrilling 3-2 Victory Against Japan in Hockey Asia Cup

Captain Harmanpreet Singh showcased exceptional skill, scoring twice as India overcame a determined Japan 3-2, ensuring their spot in the Super Four stage of the Hero Men’s Asia Cup on Sunday.

Harmanpreet, who scored a hat-trick against China in the opening match, converted two penalty corners (in the 5th and 46th minutes), while Mandeep Singh netted a field goal in the fourth minute, securing a well-deserved victory for the hosts.

Japan’s goals came from Kosei Kawabe (38th and 58th minutes).

Having secured two wins in as many matches, India leads Pool A with six points, ahead of Japan and China, both of which have one victory each.

India is set to play Kazakhstan on Monday to conclude their group stage matches. The winner of the clash between Japan and China will determine the other Super Four qualifier from Pool A.

India displayed significant improvement from their previous match, showcasing better coordination and faster gameplay resulting in consistent penetrations into the opponent’s circle.

India’s first opportunity arose in the second minute when Harmanpreet’s pass to Manpreet narrowly missed the target. Just a few minutes later, Mandeep’s fine field goal put India ahead.

Harmanpreet, along with Jarmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh, set up a brilliant play, allowing Mandeep to maneuver past two defenders and the goalkeeper, scoring a remarkable goal.

India doubled their lead in the fifth minute as Harmanpreet converted from the second of back-to-back penalty corners.

Towards the end of the first quarter, Japan earned two consecutive penalty corners but Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, celebrating his 150th international match, made outstanding saves to maintain their lead.

Japan had multiple chances in the second quarter with four consecutive penalty corners, but the Indian defense held firm.

India, too, had a chance to increase their lead via a set piece three minutes before halftime but missed extending their advantage.

Soon after the break, a play involving Sukhjeet and Mandeep saw a shot saved by the Japanese goalkeeper.

In the 38th minute, Japan’s Kawabe reduced their deficit with a first-time shot after a pass from Kaito Tanaka.

However, India restored their two-goal cushion just before the third quarter ended, as Harmanpreet converted another penalty corner with a precise low flick.

Japan attempted to rally with a penalty corner in the 49th minute, but India’s Suraj Karkera displayed two remarkable saves. Despite Japan’s increased pressure in the final moments and several penalty corners, they fell short.

Kawabe netted his second goal just two minutes before full-time, catching Jarmanpreet off guard.

China Demolish Kazakhstan, Keep Hopes Alive

In another Pool A matchup, China comprehensively defeated Kazakhstan 13-1, keeping their tournament hopes alive.

Kazakhstan took the lead within 12 seconds of the start through Agymtay Duisengazy’s precise penalty flick.

However, China dominated the match, effortlessly breaking through Kazakhstan’s defense to score repeatedly.

Du Shihao (10th, 53rd), Qijun Chen (13th), Changliang Lin (15th, 39th), Benhai Chen (29th, 56th), Yuanlin Lu (31st), Jiesheng Gao (33rd), Xiaolong Guo (41st, 58th), and Yuanlin Lu (42nd, 44th) were among China’s goal scorers.