Jakarta: Skipper Harmanpreet Singh starred with a brace as India clinched a narrow 3-2 win over Japan in their second Pool A clash of the Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament on Sunday.
India got off to a flying start when Mandeep Singh scored in the fourth minute. Just a minute later, captain Harmanpreet doubled the lead with a powerful strike. He returned in the 46th minute to score his second of the match, giving India a strong edge.
Japan mounted a strong fightback through Kosei Kawabe, who found the net in the 38th and 59th minutes. Despite the late surge, India’s defense held firm to secure their second straight win, following a 4-3 triumph over China in their opener.
The hosts will next face Kazakhstan on Monday in their final pool match. The eventual winner of the tournament will earn a direct berth to the Hockey World Cup scheduled to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands next year.
Harmanpreet Singh’s Double Guides India to Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Japan in Asia Cup
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