Jakarta: Captain Harmanpreet Singh powered India to a hard-fought 3-2 win against Japan in their second Pool A match of the Men’s Asia Cup hockey tournament on Sunday.
India struck early when Mandeep Singh netted the opener in the fourth minute, followed by Harmanpreet’s first goal just a minute later. The skipper returned in the 46th minute to extend India’s lead with his second of the match.
Japan fought back as Kosei Kawabe scored twice, in the 38th and 59th minute, but India held firm to secure their second consecutive victory. India had earlier edged China 4-3 in their opening game.
The hosts will face Kazakhstan in their final pool fixture on Monday. The champion of the tournament will earn direct qualification for next year’s Hockey World Cup, to be co-hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands
