Japan defeat India by 5-2 in Men's Asia Cup Hockey Championship

Jakarta: In the Men's Asia Cup Hockey Championship, defending champions India went down 2-5 to Japan in their second match in Jakarta, Indonesia yesterday. The first quarter went goalless for both the teams, however, in the second quarter, Japan went on to score two goals while India only managed one. Japanese drag-flicker Yoshiki Kirishita opened the scoring for his team by converting a penalty corner. 

Later, Kosei Kawabi helped Japan up their lead to 2-0 in the 39th minute. Soon after that, India's Pawan Rajbhar scored the first goal for his side, keeping the contest alive and the score was 2-1.

The third quarter again went goal-less for both the teams. However, in the fourth



quarter, Japan's Ooka Ryoma scored a goal to double their lead. Once again India got back into the game soon after, as Uttam Singh scored India's second goal, making it 2-3.

In the fourth quarter, late goals from Koji Yamasaki and Kosei Kawabe sealed the deal for Japan as they won the match 5-2.

After this defeat, India are now placed third position in Group A. In their opening pool match on Monday, India drew 1-1 against Pakistan.

Japan moved to the top spot, with two wins from the same number of matches.

 

India will meet hosts Indonesia tomorrow to round off their league engagements at 5 pm IST.