Indian Men’s Hockey Team Register 2-0 Win Against the Champions Japan: Sultan Azlan Shah Cup

Indian Men’s Hockey Team got off to a great start at the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2019 as they beat Asian Games Champions Japan by 2-0 on Saturday afternoon. It was the team’s resilient attack, structured defense and a solid effort in the midfield all that ensured India remained dominant throughout the match.

India currently ranked No.5 in the world and will be playing 5 league matches against Japan (Rank 18), Malaysia (Rank 13), South Korea (Rank 17), Canada (Rank 10) and Poland (Rank 21) through the course of the tournament.

After getting off to a goalless 1st quarter, India seemed to shake off the opening-match and take control of the proceedings. With good possession, they sought the right opportunity. 8 minutes into the second quarter, India won a PC and Varun Kumar capitalizes with a powerful, direct flick. The 1-0 lead in the 24th minute has put India in a good state.

India’s midfield with tactical play by seniors Kothajit Singh and Manpreet Singh saw them make forays into the striking circle with clever-passes and the strikers could not find the right connection, missing the field-goal opportunity. With 4 minutes remaining for the 2nd hooter, a good pass by Sumit Kumar to Mandeep Singh who flicked it towards the post missed by a margin. An alert defense saw India’s Birender Lakra and Surender Kumar impress time-and-again with effective tackle to detach Japanese counter attacks.

The 3rd quarter saw Japan make amends as they won their 1st PC in the 33rd minute. But experienced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh did well to save and clear the ball. With 2 minutes remaining for the 3rd hooter, Japanese striker Kenji Kitazato took a shot but missed the post. Off a rebound, Kazuma Murata struck the ball towards the post but it also went over.

India hunted for the 2nd goal with good precision, and the attack remained resilient as they created a PC within minutes of the 4rth quarter. This time, Varun missed the mark and Japan launched a quick counterattack. Birendra Lakra was quick to respond and make a good steal.

Japan removed goalkeeper in the 55th minute and India making use of the opportunity as their fine attack led to a 2nd goal. It was the effort by Simranjeet Singh that put India ahead by 2-0. With just 2 minutes remaining, Japan created a PC but the attempt was well-defended by Surender Kumar.

India’s Varun Kumar was given the Man of the Match and India registered a winning start to the tournament.

By: Aishwarya Sharma

Content: https://sports.ndtv.com/hockey/sultan-azlan-shah-cup-india-win-2-0-against-japan-2011774