Asia Cup hockey: India beat Japan for bronze, Korea champions

India beat Japan for the second time in the eight-team tournament to win bronze in the Asia Cup hockey at the GBK Sports Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday. Raj Kumar Pal’s seventh minute goal saw the Birendra Lakra-led outfit edge past Asian Games champions.

India began cautiously, holding possession in the midfield. Karthi Selvam received a brilliant pass inside the circle and passed to the unmarked Vishnukant Singh. But the Japanese defence dealt with the danger.

A run from Uttam Singh on the right channel opened up Pal inside the circle and he scored. India received back-to-back penalty corners (PC) before the end of the first quarter, but Japan defended well.

India started stitching attacks in the second quarter, looking to double their lead. Japan received back-to-back PCs as the Indian defence faced the first real test. First rusher Yashdeep Siwach denied Japan both times. Japan continued to push for an equaliser but the Indian defence stood tall till halftime.

India created attacking moves from the left flank at the start of the second half. Japan captain Seren Tanaka crossed a dangerous ball inside the circle but Dipsan Tirkey quickly cleared. Japan received another PC but the Indian defence made another good save. Another late PC for Japan tested the Indian defence but the three-time champions managed to thwart the attempt.

Japan earned a PC at the start of the final quarter but it was blocked by Manjeet. Uttam then received a stunning pass from Abharan Sudev, running inside the circle to go one-on-one with Japanese goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa, who dispossessed Uttam. Maninder Singh stitched an attack in the final minute but the Japanese defence dispossessed him.

South Korea beat Malaysia 2-1 in the final with Jung Man-jae (17th) and Tae Il-hwang (52nd) scoring while Syed Cholan (25th) had equalised for Malaysia. South Korea won the Asia Cup for the fifth time—most in the list. India and Pakistan have won thrice.

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