The Indian men’s hockey team secured a commanding 5-1 victory over Japan in their second match of the Asian Champions Trophy 2024, held at the Moqi Hockey Training Base in Hulunbuir, China, on Sunday. The win keeps India at the top of the points table with six points after two matches.

Sukhjeet Singh (2’, 60’), Abhishek (2’), Sanjay (17’), and Uttam Singh (54’) were the goal scorers for India, ranked No. 5 in the world, while Matsumoto Kazumasa (41’) scored Japan’s lone goal. The Indian side, which had earlier defeated hosts China 7-0, continued their dominant run in the tournament.

India got off to a flying start, scoring two goals in quick succession in the first two minutes. Sukhjeet Singh opened the scoring with a brilliant finish, converting a cross from Sanjay. Sanjay’s cross took a deflection, and Sukhjeet capitalized by steering the aerial ball into the back of the net. Just moments later, Abhishek doubled India’s lead, maneuvering through Japan’s defense with ease before slotting the ball in from a tight angle.

India’s relentless pressure continued into the second quarter, with Sanjay extending the lead to 3-0 in the 17th minute. His penalty corner strike found the back of the net, leaving Japan’s goalkeeper with no chance.

While India controlled the game through possession, Japan, ranked 15th in the world, created a few chances on the counterattack. Their persistence paid off in the third quarter when Matsumoto Kazumasa surprised the Indian defense with a strong run into the D, scoring Japan’s only goal in the 41st minute.

Despite this brief setback, India regained control of the match and sealed the win with two late goals. In the 54th minute, a surging run by Jarmanpreet Singh allowed Uttam Singh to score from close range, making it 4-1. Sukhjeet Singh capped off the victory by scoring his second goal in the final seconds of the match, bringing the final score to 5-1.

Abhishek, who was named Hero of the Match, praised the collective effort of the team. “It was a complete team effort today, and we stuck to the basics. We produced a good attack and ensured we were on target. I am also happy to be recognized with the Hero of the Match award,” he said after the game.

Sukhjeet Singh, who also scored the opening goal in India’s 7-0 rout of China in the first match, continued his fine form with a brace against Japan. Sanjay, with his solid performance and a crucial penalty corner goal, further boosted India’s chances in the tournament.

With six points from their first two matches, India now sits atop the points table. In another match earlier in the day, Pakistan drew 2-2 with the Republic of Korea. China and Malaysia are set to face off later in the evening.

Regardless of the outcome of the China-Malaysia match, India will remain in the lead heading into their next fixture. The Indian hockey team will face world No. 13 Malaysia on Wednesday, as they aim to extend their winning streak and continue their dominance in the tournament.