India skipper Sardar Singh during the Azlan Shah tournament opening match against Japan in Ipoh, Malaysia.
India skipper Sardar Singh during the Azlan Shah tournament opening match against Japan in Ipoh, Malaysia.
Asian champions India came from a goal down to clinch a 2-1 victory over hard-working Japan on the opening day of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, on Wednesday.
Squandering a series of chances created by defence-splitting crosses that sailed across the goalmouth, India managed to earn full points against their lowly-ranked opponents through goals from drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh (24th minute) and skipper Sardar Singh (32nd) after Kenji Kitazato (17th) gave Japan the lead.
India struggled to find their way through the hard-working Japanese outfit, nine of whose 18-member squad at this tournament are making their international debut.
S.V. Sunil’s deflection on a diagonal cross from Ramandeep Singh went over the crossbar before Japan stunned the Indian defence in the 17th minute. Kitazato converted Japan’s first penalty corner by placing a fine flick to the left of India goalkeeper Harjot Singh.
Taken aback by the reversal, India began pushing foward and were rewarded with their first penalty corner which Harmanpreet converted.
Sardar then capitalised on a short diagonal pass from Jasjit Singh Kular on the right wing to beat goalkeeper Takashi Yoshik-awa with a reverse shot.
They next play Australia on Thursday. Earlier, Pakistan too got off to a winning start beating Canada 3-1.
Manpreet bereaved Meanwhile, Indian players sported black arm bands as a mark of respect for team mate Manpreet Singh’s father, who passed away just hours before the match. Manpreet left for home and will be unavailable for the rest of the tournament.
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