The Indian men’s hockey team produced a dominant performance at the Hero Asia Cup, thrashing Kazakhstan 15-0 in their last Pool A group-stage match. With this comprehensive win in the Rajgir Sports Complex, India topped their group and qualified for the Super 4s stage of the continental tournament.
India’s Young Talent Shines in Record Victory
The game will be remembered for Rajinder Singh’s first international goal, a highlight that capped his inspirational journey from Namdhari Hockey Academy to the senior national team. Abhishek and Sukhjeet Singh also played outstanding games, scoring four and three goals respectively. Jugraj Singh also finished with a hat-trick, while Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Sanjay, and Dilpreet Singh also contributed to the tally.
The victory demonstrated India’s depth in attacking and its capacity to control possession, especially following two close wins in the tournament before that over China and Japan.
India Dominate from Start to Finish
India did not waste any time imposing themselves, running to a 3-0 lead in the first quarter. At halftime, the lead had grown to 7-0. The third quarter produced four more goals, taking the lead to 11-0. In the last 15 minutes, Jugraj Singh started by converting a penalty stroke before India sealed the romp with four further goals.
Kazakhstan, the lowest team in the tournament and an Oman replacement at the last minute, struggled to stay with the pace throughout the game.
Abhishek Gets Back into Form
Forward Abhishek, who had squandered several opportunities against Japan and didn’t score against China, made amends with an efficient performance. In a post-match interview, he acknowledged that he had been mentally struggling in previous games but praised his teammates for standing by him and building his confidence.
“We will have to take this momentum through the Super 4s and keep our comprehension between the strikers,” he stated.
Pool A and Pool B Final Standings
India completed unbeaten in Pool A with three victories from three games. China was joined in the Super 4s along with them after they held Japan to a 2-2 draw, advancing on superior goal difference.
From Pool B, Malaysia finished at the top with a clean sweep, beating Chinese Taipei 15-0, and South Korea beat Bangladesh 5-1 to qualify for the second Super 4s berth.
India’s Next Challenge in Super 4s
India will start their Super 4s campaign on Wednesday against South Korea. Although the thumping victory over Kazakhstan is good news, the real challenge comes ahead in the next round against tougher competition.
The Super 4s division now promises intense battles with India, China, Malaysia, and South Korea competing to make the final.
