In a one-sided encounter, the Indian hockey team beat 2018 champions Japan 5-1 in the final of the Asian Games on Friday. With this, the Indian team took home the gold medal and also secured a place at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Interestingly, under coach Craig Fulton, it is India’s second title in as many tournaments, after the team had also won the Asian Champions Trophy.
India vs Japan at Asian Games
Both teams kicked off the final on equal proceedings as Japan and India looked to breach each other’s defence and break the stalemate. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh looking to showcase his prowess in the penalty corner failed to get past the keeper in the 15th minute. The first quarter ended goalless.
India drew the first blood in the second quarter with Manpreet scoring a goal with a reverse hit in the 25th minute of the game. Indian goalkeeper Sreejesh wasn’t made to work hard as the first half ended with India enjoying a goal advantage. Harmanpreet scored from a drag flick which was filled with venom following a Penalty Corner to increase India’s lead to 2-0.
Mandeep Singh Injured
Amit Rohidas added another goal to take India a step closer to the gold medal. The third quarter ended with India just 15 minutes away from earning a much-deserved gold medal. The fourth and the final quarter saw a lot of action with Mandeep Singh limping off the field.
In the 36th minute, Abhishek made it 4-0, as he flicked it over after receiving the ball from Hardik.
Moments before the injury, Japan had a penalty corner and Sreejesh was forced to make a double save. But it wasn’t enough as Tanaka sneaked in to make it 4-1. Harmanpreet added the icing on the cake and made it 5-1 with a flick shot.
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