Men’s Asia Cup: Captain Harmanpreet Singh scores three goals as India beats China in opener

RAJGIR: The Indian Men’s Hockey team has opened its campaign in the Asia Cup with a 4-3 win against China, at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Friday. For India, it was captain Harmanpreet Singh (20’, 33’, 47’) who put in a fantastic performance, as he scored a hat-trick. And whilst Jugraj Singh (18’) was India’s second scorer, China got its goals from Shihao Du (12’), Benhai Chen (35’), Jiesheng Gao (41’).

Right from the push back, India was on the front foot, as it attacked with pace. China absorbed the pressure, survived a Penalty Corner and then started to stitch together a few moves that had India concerned. The pressure eventually paid off for China, as it won a Penalty Corner of its own, and then converted with Shihao Du (12’) found the back of the net. India had to mount a comeback quickly, and piled on the pressure on China, ending the first quarter in the ascendency. However, China led 1-0.

India began the second quarter on the attack, and was doing well to put the pressure on China. Three minutes into the period, India won a Penalty Corner, and Jugraj Singh (18’) smashed it home to make it 1-1. Shortly after, India earned another Penalty Corner, and Captain Harmanpreet Singh (20’) rifled it home to make it 2-1. The host was dominating proceedings in the late afternoon sun, and kept China, which created a couple of chances, at arm’s length through the rest of the quarter. At the half-time break, India led 2-1, much to the joy of the home fans.

India came out of the break looking to pile on the misery for its opponent, and on cue, the skipper Harmanpreet Singh (33’) made it 3-1 from the first Penalty Corner of the quarter. China responded brilliantly shortly, as it won its third Penalty Corner, and Benhai Chen (35’) converted to make it 3-2. For the next few minutes, India and China matched each other move for move, with the latter looking dangerous, and making it a little nervy for the home fans. With 20 minutes to go in the game, China won a couple of Penalty Corners, and the second resulted in an equaliser from Jiesheng Gao (41’). At the end of the quarter, both sides were locked at 3-3, with the game very much in the balance.

India began the final quarter with intent, as it earned a couple of Penalty Corners early on, and Harmanpreet Singh (47’) completed his hat-trick with aplomb, to give the host a 4-3 lead. The Harmanpreet Singh-led team continued to keep the game in the opposition half of the field, making it tough for China in the final minutes. Eventually, when the hooter sounded, India walked off with the win.

India will take on Japan in its next match on Sunday.

Other Results: Malayasia beat Bangladesh 4-1, Korea won 7-0 against Chinese Taipei, Japan defeated Kazakhstan 7-0