A formidable team India overcame the challenge of Japan in the opener of Hockey Asia Cup 2017. Defeating the Japanese by five goals to one, the title favorites produced an impressive performance. Thereby starting their campaign with a win in the 10th edition of this tournament. Even though the team is playing under a new coach, Indians meant business from the word go. Not only did the men in blue strike in each quarter but struck twice in the third. Harmanpreet Singh was the double goal scorer, both of them coming from a penalty corner.
Team India was quick to get off the block when Sunil pushed the ball into the open net, after a fine one-two with Akashdeep Singh. The joy of this 3rd-minute goal did not last long as Japan shot in an equalizer during the counter-attack. Following this goal, the Indians never looked back and dominated the proceedings throughout. Apart from Sunil and Harmanpreet, Lalit Upadhyay and Ramandeep Singh were the goal scorers at 22nd and 33rd minute respectively.
The road ahead in Hockey Asia Cup for India
With two matches remaining in Pool A, team India will look to finish at the top. However, the challenge which lies ahead of them are teams from Bangladesh and Pakistan. The clash with the former nation is slated on the evening of 13th October. Whereas the familiar foes, Pakistan will battle it out on the 15th of October, the last game of the group stage.
Even though India has an edge over their sub-continent rivals, Pakistan demolished Bangladesh completely. Scoring 7 goals in all, the Bangla tigers were not even able to open their account. Nevertheless, it’s all about which team plays their best game and rises to the occasion. Team India would go all guns blazing to slay each challenge that comes there way. Here’s wishing them all the best for the road ahead.