India beat Japan to maintain momentum in Men's Junior Asia Cup 2024

Araijeet Singh Hundal scored the winning goal for India.

The Indian junior men’s hockey team registered a hard fought 3-2 victory in their second Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 match against Japan, in Muscat, Oman today. Thokchom Kingson Singh (12’) opened the account for India but Japan’s Neo Sato (15’, 38’) scored soon after to restore parity.

As both teams traded penalty corners in the second half, Rohit (36’) put the defending champions ahead but Neo Sato found the back of the net again to level the scores. Araijeet Singh Hundal (39’) seized the lead for India again towards the end of the third quarter and they held on to a one goal lead to seal their victory.

FULL-TIME: 🏑🔥 Incredible defending by Team India to seal a 3-2 win over Japan in this nail-biting match! 🇮🇳💪 The defense stood strong and made all the difference fantastic teamwork and resilience! 🙌👏 #HockeyIndia #INDvsJPN #IndiaKaGame #MensJuniorAsiaCup24 ...… pic.twitter.com/7mji6c5kSW

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 28, 2024

Both teams engaged in a back-and-forth tussle for territory from the starting whistle, leading to a penalty corner for Japan three minutes into the game. Bikramjit Singh remained alert, averting any danger to his goal. Despite Japan employing a high press, India skilfully bypassed it with clever aerial balls and silky skills.

Both teams wrestled for meaningful possession, and it was Dilraj Singh who earned a penalty corner for India with three minutes left in the first quarter. Thokchom Kingson Singh picked up a stray ball from the corner and granted the lead with a low and powerful reverse shot. However, in the last minute, Japan earned a penalty corner of their own and Neo Sato restored parity with a drag flick past the Indian defence.

As the second quarter began, the defending champions attempted to regain the lead with Manmeet Singh testing the keeper twice in quick succession within two minutes, however, Kisho Kuroda was up to the task on both occasions. They traded blows but no clear chances emerged until Japan earned a penalty corner with six minutes left in the quarter.

India’s first rusher, Rohit put his body on the line to ensure Japan could not capitalise on this opportunity. The Japanese forwards went on to earn a couple of penalty corners with two minutes left in the quarter. However, the Blue Colts remained undeterred and responded with a penalty corner of their own, but Japan scrambled in defence, ensuring the first half ended 1-1.

Also Read: India start title defense with big win over Thailand in Men’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 opener

The third quarter began in similar fashion with Japan drawing a couple of penalty corners around the four-minute mark. However, vice-captain Rohit and Bikramjit Singh swatted away Japan’s attempts and pushed forward to earn a penalty corner of their own. This time Rohit was on hand to flick the ball past the keeper and give his side the lead.

Immediately in search of an equaliser, Japan’s Neo Sato stepped up again to score from a penalty corner and make it 2-2. With India pressing high, it wasn’t long before Arshdeep Singh pinched the ball near the Japanese circle and found Araijeet who unleashed a first time shot to put the four-time champions ahead yet again.

Japan took the initiative as the last quarter began and earned more penalty corners, but the Blue Colts held firm and threatened the Japanese goal occasionally, albeit, with no end product. Japan pressured the Indian defence as the clock wound down and earned a few penalty corners, but Prince Deep Singh remained alert in goal until the last minute and ensured a 3-2 win.

PR Sreejesh’s side will take on Chinese Taipei in their next match on 30 November, at 1815 hrs.

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