India edge Japan 3-2 in Men’s Asia Cup 2025, secure Super 4s spot with Harmanpreet Singh starring in Rajgir thriller. (Image Credit: Outlook India)
Indian Men's Hockey Team continued their run of dominance at the Hero Men's Asia Cup Rajgir Bihar 2025 as they edged out Japan 3-2 in a nail-biting second Pool A match at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5', 46') and Mandeep Singh (4') scored for India to seal a vital win, while Kosei Kawabe scored twice for Japan (38', 59') to keep the match close. This victory ensured India's advancement into the Super 4s phase of the tournament. The game was also a personal record for Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who marked his 150th appearance in international level matches.
India bullied out of the blocks, taking initial control by scoring twice in the first five minutes. Sukhjeet Singh fashioned the initial goal with a pinpoint pass to Mandeep Singh in the 4th minute, who slotted the ball past the Japanese defence with all calmness. The momentum was not broken as India were awarded their first Penalty Corner. There was a retake twice before Harmanpreet Singh smashed a forceful hit that deflected off the Japanese goalkeeper and went over the line, leaving India 2-0 ahead within five minutes. Japan labored to counter early, with their initial Penalty Corner in the 13th minute having no effect.
The second quarter witnessed Japan strengthen their attacking game, creating end-to-end play and probing India's sturdy defence. Ryosuke Shinohara created a backhand shot in the 19th minute to cut the deficit, only to miss by inches. Japan's second Penalty Corner in the 24th minute was spectacularly saved by India, and the home team went into the first half in command, even as India squandered a late scoring opportunity from Amit Rohidas's drag flick.
Japan's persistence was rewarded in the third quarter when Kosei Kawabe hit a well-directed shot in the 38th minute to reduce the deficit by half. The Japanese team pushed hard, but India held on to possession and set the tempo. Only seconds from the end of the quarter, India won a vital Penalty Corner which Harmanpreet deftly converted through the goalkeeper's legs in the 46th minute, restoring the two-goal margin.
The last quarter was a nail-biting one. Japan won several Penalty Corners, only to have them snuffed out by Indian goal-keeper Suraj Karkera's outstanding saves. Abhishek also tested the Japanese keeper with a firm backhand shot, which was well saved too. Kawabe scored again in the 59th minute to narrow the gap to 3-2, but India held on despite being left with 10 men after a yellow card on Harmanpreet in the final moments.
