Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: Dominant India beats Japan 5-1 to take top spot

Moqi, September 9 (IANS): Defending champions India continued their winning streak in the Men's Asian Champions Trophy, outpacing Japan with a 5-1 victory here at the Moqi Hockey Training Base on Monday.

Sukhjeet Singh (2', 60') scored a brace in India's victory, while Abhishek (3'), Sanjay (17') and Uttam Singh (54') scored a goal each and Kazumasa Matsumoto (41') scored the only goal for Japan.

India had defeated hosts China 3-0 in the opening match of their season.

India got off to a quick start with a brilliant goal from Sukhjeet in the second minute of the game. Sanjay, floating on the right side of the crease, threw a cross pass, but Sukhjeet quickly deflected it away.

In the next minute, the Indian strikers extended their lead to 2-0 when Abhishek dribbled past several Japanese defenders, shot the ball around the goalkeeper and scored.

The onslaught continued in the second quarter when Sanjay converted a superb penalty in the 17th minute. With a 3-0 lead, India were in a comfortable position while Japan tried to shake off the initial jitters and get back into the game. They quickly recovered in their attack by taking a PC in the 21st minute. But Japan's drag flick was well blocked by Indian rushers, allowing their team to launch a quick counterattack.

Jugraj Singh attacked from the right and had a beautiful turn to win a free kick. After a series of quick short passes, the Indian strikers missed the goal by inches. With a goal in the quarter, India dominated with 67 percent possession, resulting in 11 circles and three shots on goal.

After the 10-minute half-time break, India tried to keep the momentum going. They played patiently and disciplined and launched their first attack of the third quarter, but Japan did well to win the ball back. They built well on a structured attack that eventually led to a field goal by Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 41st minute. Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak could barely stop Matsumoto from scoring that goal.

Just a few minutes earlier, India had a great chance, but Vivek Sagar missed the fourth goal by inches.

India finally managed to score a fourth goal, thanks to some good stickwork from Jarmanpreet Singh, who helped Uttam Singh score a beautiful field goal from the baseline. This gave India a comfortable 4-1 lead in the 54th minute.

After a nice assist from Abhishek, Sukhjeet scored another goal in the last seven seconds to end the game on a winning note. He now leads the points table with his two consecutive wins.

Man of the Match Abhishek of India said, “Today was a complete team effort and we focused on the essentials. We attacked well and made sure we achieved our target. I am also happy to receive the Hero of the Match award.”