Japan thrash India in Asia Cup Hockey 2022

(Courtesy : Hockey India)
The Men in Blue's chances to go into the next stage seem difficult.
The Indian Men's Hockey team suffered a 2-5 defeat to Japan in their second encounter at the Hero Asia Cup at the GBK Sports Complex Hockey Stadium in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday. Kosei Kawabe (40', 56') struck a brace, while Ken Nagayoshi (24'), Ryoma Ooka (49') and Koji Yamasaki (54') were the other goal-scorers for Japan in the Pool A match. Pawan Rajbhar (45') and Uttam Singh (50'), scored the two goals for India.
Japan started putting the pressure on the young Indian team from the starting whistle of the match. In the 5th minute, Karthi Selvam struck a reverse hit inside the Japan circle to create an early opportunity for his team. But SV Sunil could not make contact on the ball in front of the goal and the opportunity was missed. Japan received the first penalty corner in the 11th minute of the first quarter, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made an excellent save to deny the opposition.
Ken Nagayoshi scored the first goal for Japan from a dragflick in the 24th minute after India conceded back-to-back penalty corners in the hockey match. Trailing 0-1 at halftime, India started brightly in the third Quarter as Uttam Singh received a chance inside the circle to get his team level. But he was unable to trap the ball and the opportunity was missed.
Japan started counter-attacking straightaway as India started getting back into the game. Kosei Kawabe doubled his team's lead in the 40th minute with a shot past the young Indian defence. In the final minute of the third quarter, Pawan Raj Bhar deflected the ball into the nets after receiving a pass from Birendra Lakra, as India reduced the deficit to 1-2.
Ryoma Ooka scored four minutes into the final quarter, but Uttam Singh managed to get one for India straightaway in the next minute to keep India in the hunt. Late goals from Koji Yamasaki and Kosei Kawabe sealed the deal for Japan as they won the hockey match 5-2.
India will play their next game against Indonesia on Thursday.

Where passion meets insight — blending breaking news, in-depth strategic analysis, viral moments, and jaw-dropping plays into powerful sports content designed to entertain, inform, and keep you connected to your favorite teams and athletes. Expect daily updates, expert commentary and coverage that never leaves a fan behind.
- Hockey India names 54-member core probable group for Indian men's hockey team coaching camp
- Indian women's hockey team leaves for Australia for five-match test series
- Indian men's hockey team coach Craig Fulton aims to build strong core group from National Championship 2025
- 'That loss…was truly turning point' - Punjab coach Rajinder Singh on what changed for his side in senior hockey nationals
- Jugraj Singh reflects on his performance in Punjab's victorious campaign in senior hockey nationals: 'More than ourselves, we played for Punjab
- Top 10 Indian hockey players with most medals at Olympics
- Women's FIH Pro League 2024-25: Updated points table and top 10 goalscorers
- Women's FIH Pro League 2024-25: Schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details
- Men's FIH Pro League 2024-25: Updated points table and top 10 goalscorers
- Men's FIH Pro League 2024-25: Schedule, fixtures, results, live streaming details