Muscat, Oman) . The Indian junior men's hockey team fought back from behind twice to register a hardfought 32 win against Japan in their second match at the Men's Junior Asia Cup 2024 in Muscat, Oman on Thursday.
Thokchom Kingson Singh (12') opened the account for India, but Japan's Neo Sato (15', 38') soon equalized with a goal. In the second half, there was a fierce battle between the two teams at the penalty corner. Rohit (36') gave India the lead, but Neo Sato scored again to level the score. Arijit Singh Hundal (39') again got the lead for India at the end of the third quarter as India maintained their onegoal lead to ensure their victory.
Both teams engaged in a backandforth battle for territory from the opening whistle, leading to Japan being awarded a penalty corner three minutes into the game. Bikramjit Singh remained alert and avoided any kind of threat to his goal. Despite Japan's high press, India easily overcame it with clever aerial balls and superb skill.
Both teams struggled for meaningful possession and Dilraj Singh earned a penalty corner for India with three minutes remaining in the first quarter. Thokchom Kingson Singh picked up a stray ball from a corner and gave India the lead with a low and powerful reverse shot. However, in the final minute, Japan earned a penalty corner of their own and Neo Sato equalized with a drag flick past the Indian defence.
Early in the second quarter, India attempted to take the lead with Manmeet Singh challenging the goalkeeper twice within the space of two minutes, however, Kisho Kuroda was able to make the save on both occasions. They exchanged blows but had no clear chances until Japan were awarded a penalty corner with six minutes remaining in the quarter. India's first rusher Rohit tried his best to prevent Japan from taking advantage of this opportunity. The Japanese forwards earned two penalty corners with two minutes left in the quarter. However, India did not give up and responded with their penalty corner, but Japan defended and the first half was tied at 11.
The third quarter also started in a similar manner and Japan scored two penalty corners in around four minutes. However, vicecaptain Rohit and Bikramjeet Singh thwarted Japan's efforts and India went ahead to earn themselves a penalty corner.
This time Rohit gave India the lead by flicking the ball past the goalkeeper. In search of equality, Japan's Neo Sato again scored from a penalty corner to make the score 22. With India under pressure, Arshdeep Singh pinned the ball near the Japanese circle and Arajit made the first shot to give India the lead again in the game.
Japan took the initiative and earned more penalty corners as the last quarter began, but India held firm and occasionally threatened the Japanese goal, although to no avail. Japan put pressure on the Indian defense as the clock ran out and earned a few penalty corners, but Prince Deep Singh remained alert in goal until the last minute to ensure India won the match 32.
In its third match of this event, India will face Chinese Taipei on Saturday.
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.