Field Hockey

India Edges Past Japan 3-2 to Enter Super 4s in Asia Cup Hockey, But Defensive Woes Persist

The Indian men’s hockey team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Japan on Sunday to book a place in the Super 4s of the ongoing Asia Cup. However, the narrow win did little to allay growing concerns around India’s defensive frailties and missed opportunities in attack, issues that once again surfaced despite the favourable result.

In a match that showcased two contrasting halves, India dominated early proceedings but found itself hanging on by the end. The home side started aggressively, with the strikers coming close twice in the opening minutes. Their efforts bore fruit quickly when Mandeep Singh turned and shot past the Japanese defence to open the scoring in the fourth minute.

Just a minute later, India earned four consecutive penalty corners. Captain Harmanpreet Singh made the fourth count with a low, powerful strike to give India a 2-0 lead. The opening quarter saw India press high, with defenders holding a position near the halfway line while the rest of the team relentlessly pursued a third goal.

The pressure continued in the second quarter, though India couldn’t capitalise on its attacking momentum. Missed chances from Dilpreet and Abhishek kept Japan in the contest, and despite earning four consecutive penalty corners, the Japanese were denied by goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and a crucial diving clearance by Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Japan returned from the halftime break with renewed intent. Their persistence was rewarded in the 37th minute when Kosei Kawabe rifled a shot from the top of the circle, beating both Krishan Pathak and Jugraj Singh to halve the deficit. India struggled to match the tempo, with missed chances continuing to pile up.

In the dying moments of the third quarter, India won its sixth penalty corner, and Harmanpreet once again stepped up, restoring the two-goal cushion. Still, the lack of finishing touch from forwards Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh allowed Japan to stay within reach.

The final minute saw Kawabe strike again to bring Japan within one, but it proved too late as the clock ran out.

While India earned the three points and a place in the next round, head coach Craig Fulton will have plenty to ponder. Conceding nine penalty corners and failing to convert attacking dominance into a comfortable win may not be sustainable against tougher opposition in the Super 4s.

Still, a win is a win. India will now look to regroup, correct its course, and find sharper form as the Asia Cup intensifies.

Related Post
Share
Published by
In._.DaFaNeWs

Recent Posts

Jannik Sinner says he is not the only one who is changing on the tour ahead of Shanghai Masters

World No.2 Jannik Sinner had admitted he needed to change his game style after he… Read More

October 2, 2025

U Mumba Crush Tamil Thalaivas 42-24 to Rise to Fifth in PKL 12

U Mumba produced a dominant all-round performance to outclass Tamil Thalaivas 42-24 in Match 58… Read More

October 2, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja Surprised but Honoured by Test Vice-Captaincy Role Against West Indies

Ravindra Jadeja has admitted that his appointment as India’s vice-captain for the ongoing two-Test series… Read More

October 2, 2025

FC Goa Fall to Istiklol as Winless Start in AFC Champions League Two Continues

FC Goa’s struggles in the AFC Champions League Two continued on Wednesday as they fell… Read More

October 2, 2025

AB de Villiers urges West Indies batters to make runs against India to compete in Test series

Former South African captain AB de Villiers has urged the West Indies batters to make… Read More

October 2, 2025

AB de Villiers hails Kuldeep Yadav for Asia Cup 2025 heroics

Former South African captain AB de Villiers showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav after the wrist… Read More

October 2, 2025