India defeated Japan – Asia Cup hockey 2022

The Indian men’s hockey team won the bronze medal in the Asia Cup hockey 2022. After defeating Japan 1-0 in the third-place play-off match.

On Wednesday, the young Indian men’s hockey team put on a valiant performance to defeat Japan 1-0 and win the bronze medal at the Asia Cup hockey 2022 in Jakarta. Following a thrilling 4-4 tie with South Korea on Tuesday, the reigning champions. India came out with a purpose, scoring a field goal through Raj Kumar Pal in the seventh minute of the game. And then defending in numbers to seal the deal. In the first five minutes of the match, India started brightly and pushed strongly. But their attacks fizzled once they were inside the opponent D.

The Indians, on the other hand, broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, with Uttam Singh performing all the hard work on the right flank to set up Rajkumar Pal, who deftly stroked the ball past Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa. Three minutes later, the Indians were awarded two consecutive penalty corners, but both were squandered.

Japan pressed hard in the final five minutes of the first quarter in quest of an equalizer, mounting many raids, but the Indian defense held firm to maintain their lead.

With a one-goal deficit, Japan continued to attack, earning two consecutive penalty corners in the 20th minute, but the Indians defended in force to maintain their lead.

In the second quarter, both Japan and India had a few more chances, but both teams fell in the final third.