The Indian men’s hockey team began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Japan at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The thrilling encounter saw India dominate for most parts of the game with goals from Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh, and Abhishek, before Japan launched a late comeback that nearly changed the course of the match. Despite the late scare, India showed composure to hold on and secure an important opening win.
India got off to a perfect start in the first quarter when captain Harmanpreet Singh, one of the most reliable drag-flickers in world hockey, converted a penalty corner in the sixth minute to give his side a 1-0 lead. Japan responded with quick counterattacks, but India’s goalkeeper Krishan Pathak produced some crucial saves to deny the equaliser. At halftime, the scoreboard read 1-0 in India’s favour, reflecting their disciplined defensive structure.
The third quarter saw India extend their dominance. In the 37th minute, Mandeep Singh pounced on a loose ball inside the circle and made no mistake in doubling the lead. Just minutes later, Abhishek scored a sharp field goal that pushed India into a commanding 3-0 position. The Indian forwards looked fluid, and their midfield transitions kept the Japanese side under pressure. At that point, the game looked all but settled in India’s favour.
However, the final quarter turned the match into a nerve-wracking contest. Japan, known for their fighting spirit, pulled one back in the 52nd minute through a well-executed penalty corner. Barely three minutes later, they struck again on a counterattack, reducing the deficit to 3-2 and silencing the Indian supporters in the stands. The final moments were tense, with Japan pressing hard for an equaliser, but India’s backline, led by Varun Kumar and veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, stood tall under immense pressure to seal the win.
The victory highlighted both strengths and weaknesses for India. On the positive side, the attacking combination of Harmanpreet, Mandeep, and Abhishek looked sharp and clinical. However, the defensive lapses in the dying stages showed that the team still needs to work on maintaining composure against relentless opposition. Former captain Sardar Singh, speaking after the match, praised the team’s effort but warned that such lapses could prove costly against stronger opponents like Korea and Malaysia.
The win is crucial for India’s chances of reaching the semifinals, as a strong start in the group stages often sets the tone for the tournament. With this victory, India will carry confidence into their next fixture against Malaysia on Monday, September 1, 2025. A win in that clash would almost guarantee them a place in the knockout stages and keep their dream of lifting the Asia Cup alive.
Fans took to social media to celebrate the triumph, calling it a perfect mix of dominance and resilience. Many praised Harmanpreet Singh’s opening goal and P. R. Sreejesh’s late saves, while others admitted that the final minutes had their hearts racing. The victory may not have been smooth, but it once again showcased India’s ability to dig deep when it matters the most.
In conclusion, India’s 3-2 victory over Japan was not just about the scoreline but about surviving tense moments and proving their mettle under pressure. With tougher challenges awaiting in the tournament, this opening win provides momentum, belief, and valuable lessons for the Men in Blue as they chase glory in the Hockey Asia Cup 2025.
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