India Edge Past Japan 3–2 to Enter Super 4 Stage of Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir

Rajgir, Aug 2025 : The Indian men’s hockey team continued their winning momentum in the Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025 with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Japan in their second Pool A match at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5’, 46’) and Mandeep Singh (4’) were the scorers for India, while Kosei Kawabe (38’, 59’) struck twice for Japan. With this hard-fought win, India secured their place in the Super 4 stage of the tournament. The occasion was also memorable for Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who marked his 150th international appearance.

Blistering Start by India

India began the match in dominant fashion, striking twice within the opening five minutes. In the 4th minute, Sukhjeet Singh dribbled along the baseline and delivered a sharp pass to Mandeep Singh, who evaded his marker and slotted the ball into the net to give the hosts the lead. Just a minute later, India earned their first penalty corner. After two retakes, captain Harmanpreet Singh unleashed a powerful drag-flick that deflected off the Japanese goalkeeper’s leg and found its way into the goal, doubling the lead.

Japan, however, tried to respond with a penalty corner in the 13th minute but failed to make it count as India’s defense stood firm.

Japan Fight Back in the Second Quarter

The second quarter witnessed a more balanced contest, with Japan increasing their attacking intensity. In the 19th minute, Ryosuke Shinohara dribbled from midfield and launched a backhand shot that narrowly missed the post. Japan earned another penalty corner in the 24th minute, but Harmanpreet stood tall on the goal line to block the attempt. India also had a chance to extend their lead before half-time when Amit Rohidas lined up a drag-flick from a penalty corner, but his effort was comfortably saved.

Kawabe Inspires Japan, Harmanpreet Responds

The third quarter saw Japan finally break through India’s defense. In the 38th minute, Kosei Kawabe picked up a difficult pass inside the circle and struck a precise angled shot into the right corner to reduce the deficit. Japan’s confidence grew as they pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but India controlled possession to slow down the tempo.

Just before the quarter ended, India earned a crucial penalty corner. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh stepped up again and produced a clinical finish between the Japanese goalkeeper’s legs in the 46th minute, restoring India’s two-goal cushion at 3–1.

Dramatic Final Quarter

Japan started the last quarter aggressively, forcing a penalty corner in the 48th minute. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera pulled off two outstanding saves in quick succession to deny the visitors. India responded with an attacking move of their own, as Abhishek created space inside the circle and fired a powerful backhand shot, only for the Japanese goalkeeper to block it.

In the 59th minute, Japan found hope when Kawabe scored his second goal of the match, capitalising on a rebound inside the circle to make it 3–2. The closing stages grew tense as India were reduced to 10 men after captain Harmanpreet Singh received a yellow card in the final minute. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the hosts defended resolutely, slowed down play, and held on to their slender lead until the final whistle.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, India not only maintained their unbeaten record but also ensured progression to the Super 4 stage of the tournament. The win also highlighted India’s defensive resilience and the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice and made crucial interventions at the back.

India will next face Kazakhstan on Monday, September 1, at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium in what promises to be another exciting clash in the ongoing Hero Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

Team Maverick.