Shillong, October 6: In a display of hockey excellence that solidifies their status as a medal contender on the world stage, the Indian men’s hockey team secured a resounding victory over defending champions Japan, winning the gold medal at the Asian Games for the fourth time in 19 editions.
As per IANS, their exceptional performance not only earned them the coveted gold medal but also secured them a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics, as the Asian Games served as a qualifying tournament for the Olympics.
During the final match on Friday, India outplayed Japan with a score of 5-1. The team’s skipper, Harmanpreet Singh, scored two crucial goals in the 32nd and 59th minutes, while Manpreet Singh (25th minute), Amit Rohidas (36th minute), and Abhishek (48th minute) also contributed with goals. Japan’s lone goal was scored by Seren Tanaka from an indirect penalty corner in the 51st minute.
This victory marks India’s fourth-ever gold medal in the Asian Games, following their triumphs in 1966 in Bangkok, 1998 in Bangkok, and 2014 in Incheon. India has also secured nine silver medals and three bronze medals in previous editions of the Asian Games.
With this win, India joins South Korea as the second-most successful team in Asian Games men’s hockey, each with four gold medals. Pakistan remains the most successful with eight gold medals.
In the early stages of the game, both teams struggled to break through each other’s defenses. Japan put up a strong defense, and India had a few chances, including their first penalty corner, but Japan’s goalkeeper Tukumi Kitagawa denied Harmanpreet’s drag flick.
The second quarter saw a similar pattern, with India seeking opportunities to penetrate the Japanese defense. However, Japan’s resolute defense held firm, frustrating India’s forward attempts. India earned their second penalty corner in this period but couldn’t convert it into a goal.
However, just five minutes before halftime, India found the breakthrough they needed. Former captain Manpreet Singh capitalized on a well-executed attack and unleashed a powerful shot to open the scoring for India.
After halftime, India maintained their attacking momentum, earning three consecutive penalty corners. Off the third one, Harmanpreet Singh pounced on a rebound to extend India’s lead to 2-0.
India’s relentless pursuit of goals continued, and with strong support from the home crowd, they secured another penalty corner in the 36th minute. This time, Amit Rohidas delivered a powerful direct drag flick to make it 3-0 for India.
Abhishek, who had previously scored twice in India’s preliminary group stage match in Hangzhou, added India’s fourth goal with a blistering shot past the goalkeeper.
Japan managed to score their first goal from a penalty corner in the 51st minute, with Serene Tanaka deflecting the ball into the net to narrow the gap to 1-4.
In the 59th minute, Harmanpreet Singh sealed India’s victory with another drag flick goal, making it 5-1.
This win in the Asian Games men’s hockey final marks India’s largest margin of victory in the tournament’s history.