Muscat (Oman): The Indian Junior Males’s Hockey Crew registered a tough fought 3-2 victory of their second Males’s Junior Asia Cup 2024 match in opposition to Japan, in Muscat, Oman on Thursday. Thokchom Kingson Singh (12’) opened the account for India however Japan’s Neo Sato (15’, 38’) scored quickly after to revive parity. As each groups traded penalty corners within the second half, Rohit (36’) gave India the lead however Neo Sato discovered the again of the web once more to stage the scores. Araijeet Singh Hundal (39’) seized the lead for India once more in the direction of the tip of the third quarter and India held on to a one purpose result in seal their victory.
Each groups engaged in a back-and-forth tussle for territory from the beginning whistle, resulting in a penalty nook for Japan three minutes into the sport. Bikramjit Singh remained alert, averting any hazard to his purpose. Regardless of Japan using a excessive press, India skilfully bypassed it with intelligent aerial balls and silky expertise. Each groups wrestled for significant possession, and it was Dilraj Singh who earned a penalty nook for India with three minutes left within the first quarter. Thokchom Kingson Singh picked up a stray ball from the nook and granted India the lead with a low and highly effective reverse shot. Nevertheless, within the final minute, Japan earned a penalty nook of their very own and Neo Sato restored parity with a drag flick previous the Indian defence.
Because the second quarter started, India tried to regain the lead with Manmeet Singh testing the keeper twice in fast succession inside two minutes, nevertheless, Kisho Kuroda was as much as the duty on each events. They traded blows however no clear possibilities emerged till Japan earned a penalty nook with six minutes left within the quarter. India’s first rusher, Rohit put his physique on the road to make sure Japan couldn’t capitalise on this chance. The Japanese forwards went on to earn a few penalty corners with two minutes left within the quarter. Nevertheless, India remained undeterred and responded with a penalty nook of their very own however Japan scrambled in defence, guaranteeing the primary half ended 1-1.
The third quarter started in comparable style with Japan drawing a few penalty corners across the 4 minute mark. Nevertheless, Vice Captain Rohit and Bikramjit Singh swatted away Japan’s makes an attempt and India pushed ahead to earn a penalty nook of their very own. This time Rohit was readily available to flick the ball previous the keeper and provides India the lead. Instantly in quest of an equaliser, Japan’s Neo Sato stepped up once more to attain from a penalty nook and make it 2-2. With India urgent excessive, it wasn’t lengthy earlier than Arshdeep Singh pinched the ball close to the Japanese circle and located Araijeet who unleashed a primary time shot to grant India the lead within the recreation once more.
Japan took the initiative because the final quarter started and earned extra penalty corners however India held agency and threatened the Japanese purpose sometimes, albeit, with no finish product. Japan pressured the Indian defence because the clock wound down and earned just a few penalty corners however Prince Deep Singh remained alert in purpose till the final minute and ensured India win the match 3-2.
India will tackle Chinese language Taipei of their subsequent match on 30 November, at 1815 hrs.
