The Japanese men’s hockey team showed their heart of gold at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023 after their loss to Malaysia on Monday, August 7. After losing their fourth pool match 3-1, Japanese players, despite being disappointed, left their locker room spotless.
In a video uploaded by Hockey India on their social media account, the Japanese locker room can be seen sparkling clean, with the visitors making a conscious effort to clean their surroundings.
Also Read: Asian Champions Trophy LIVE: Japan vs China at 4 PM, India face Pakistan later in blockbuster clash
The Japanese people are known for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene everywhere they visit.
This is not even the first time that a Japanese team has done so at a major sporting event. Their men’s team did a similar deed in the last two FIFA World Cups, in 2022 and 2018. Japanese fans have also been spotted cleaning the stands before their departure.
Japan is not in contention to make the semifinals at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023. They currently stand in the 5th spot in the 6-team tournament.
Their last pool game is against China on Wednesday, August 9.
How the match played out
Malaysia took the lead in the first quarter through Jazlan’s drag-flick.
Jazlan’s shot struck the shin of the first rusher before hitting the net, and the goal was awarded after a referral. Japan, who had held Pakistan to a 3-3 draw, came close to scoring the equaliser on a few occasions but failed to give the finishing touches. They also wasted several penalty corners.
Against the run of play, Malaysia doubled the lead as Hamsani fired the ball into the net after being brilliantly set up by Fitri Saari. Silverius made it 3-0 in the final minute after being set up by Hamsani at the far post.
Silverius took a couple of touches to deceive the keeper before striking the ball into the net. Moments later, Takuma struck Japan’s first goal, but it was too little, too late.
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