After defeating Japan with 3–2 on Sunday in Rajgir, India reached the Super 4 stage in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025. Since the beginning of the match it was exciting and both teams played hard, but India controlled the early minutes.
India opened its score quickly. In the fourth minute, Mandeep Singh scored a beautiful goal. India led 1–0. Soon after, captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner. The score went up to 3–0 and Harmanpreet’s goal lifted the team’s spirits.
Japan did not give up. In the third quarter, Kosei Kawabe scored to make it 3–1. He scored again in the final minutes, but India held on. The defence was strong, and the team managed the pressure well.
Goalkeeper Krishna Pathak played very well. He made important saves at the right times. After criticism in the previous match, he proved his quality and gave the team confidence.
India played smart hockey. They passed the ball well and attacked quickly. Japan tried to pressure India with penalty corners. But Harmanpreet, Pathak, and the outfield players stopped them. India also created many scoring chances.
Indian players were shown cards as well. Harmanpreet got a yellow card. Amit Rohidas and Raj Kumar Pal were given green cards but the team stayed calm and focused.
The stadium was full of energy. Over 4000 fans cheered every Indian attack. Even with heat and humidity, the players stayed strong and kept their intensity.
Coach Craig Fulton praised the team. He said they played with patience and control. He admitted missing some chances was disappointing. But he was satisfied with the overall performance.
With this win, India is now in the Super 4. Their next match will be against Kazakhstan. The team showed strength, teamwork and confidence. They proved they can handle tough opponents and pressure situations.
Led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team will face Kazakhstan in their final league match at Rajgir today. The match will be played at 7:30 pm this evening.
All eyes are now riveted on the upcoming match, with anticipation building among fans and experts alike. A victory in this tournament could transform Rajgir into a rising hub for hockey, putting the city firmly on the national sports map, analysts suggest.
It is worth highlighting that Indian hockey, once a dominant force on the global stage, gradually ceded its supremacy to the rise of the Netherlands, Germany, and Australia. Yet, the sport has made a remarkable comeback, steadily reclaiming its lost glory. This tournament stands as a testament to the revival of hockey in India, showcasing the nation’s renewed passion and prowess in the game.
The results: Pool-A: India 3 (Mandeep Singh 4, Harmanpreet Singh 5, 45) bt Japan 2 (Kosei Kawabe 38, 59); China 13 (Shihao Du 10, 53, Qijun Chen 13, Changliang Lin 15, 39, Benhai Chen 29, 56, Yuanlin Lu 31, 42, 44, Jiesheng Gao 33, Xiaolong Guo 41, 58) bt Kazakhstan 1 (Agymtay Duisengazy 2).
