The Indian men’s hockey team clinched a narrow 3-2 victory over Japan in the Asia Cup, a win that, despite a strong start, highlighted ongoing concerns for the home side. The performance was a game of two halves: India dominated the first half but was left scrambling to hold on to their lead in the second. The win guarantees India a spot in the Super 4s round, but the team's discipline and defensive vulnerabilities remain a worry.
India's start was blistering, with Mandeep Singh scoring a field goal in the fourth minute. A minute later, four successive penalty corners led to Harmanpreet Singh's powerful drag flick, giving India a 2-0 lead within five minutes. For the remainder of the first half, the Indian team controlled the game, pinning Japan in their own half and creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, a lack of sharpness and a failure to convert those chances prevented them from extending their lead.
After the break, the momentum shifted. Japan intensified its pressure, and Kosei Kawabe scored in the 37th minute to reduce the deficit. India's erratic play continued, with both Abhishek and Sukhjeet missing chances. Harmanpreet Singh restored the two-goal cushion with a strike from a penalty corner just before the end of the third quarter, but the Japanese side continued to press.
In the final minutes, Kawabe scored again, making the score 3-2 and putting India's defense under intense scrutiny. The home team was forced to play with ten men after their captain, Harmanpreet Singh, received a yellow card. India managed to hold on to the win, but the defensive lapses, including nine penalty corners conceded to Japan, showed the team has areas to address.
In another Pool A match, China delivered a dominant performance, overwhelming Kazakhstan with a 13-1 victory. This win puts China in a strong position for the next stage, needing only a draw against Japan in their final group match to advance, thanks to a superior goal difference. India's hard-fought victory, while securing their place, leaves them with much to ponder as they head into the crucial Super 4s round.
