The Indian junior men’s hockey team returned to winning ways with a strong performance against Japan, registering a 5–1 victory in their third game in the 10th Sultan of Johor Cup.
For India, it was captain Uttam Singh (3′), Rohit (12′), Johnson Purty (21), Bobby Singh Dhami (31) and Amandeep Lakra (51′) who found the back of the net, while Ikumi Saki (15′) scored the only goal for Japan.
After losing 4-5 to South Africa in their previous match, Indian juniors kept their chances of reaching the next round by winning against Japan.
After a delayed start, India Got out of the blocks very quickly, as captain Uttam Singh (3′) chased home the Japanese goalkeeper after a spell of domination. And even though Japan threatened some penalty corners soon after, India’s defense was giving them no room.
India absorbed the pressure from Japan before Rohit (12′) gave his team a 2-0 lead from a penalty corner. However, just before the hooter, Japan pulled one back via Ikumi Saki (15′), who converted a penalty corner 2–1.
In the second quarter, both teams, playing with a lot of energy, exploded in the first few minutes before India took a two-goal lead as Johnson Poorty (21′) hit the back of the net with a crisp shot from the top. Found circle. India continued to build pressure in search of another goal, but they went into the half-time break and the score fell 3-1 in their favour.
India got off to a great start in the second half as Bobby Singh Dhami (31′) added a fourth to increase the advantage. The Indian Colts were in the ascendancy and dominated the proceedings.
Right after, Japan earned a fifth penalty corner, but a bad trap blew up the Indian defense and cleared their line. Japan made it through in the final minutes of the quarter, but India kept them out, maintaining a three-goal lead and playing most of the game in the opposition’s half.
In need of a quick target in the final stages of the game, Japan went on the attack from the start, but India dug deep and controlled the situation well.
After dealing with an initial flurry of attacks, India stepped forward and Amandeep Lakra (51′) converted a penalty corner, making it difficult for Japan to make a comeback. Since then, India controlled the proceedings and closed the game comfortably, registering a 5-1 win.
India will take on Australia in their fourth match on 26 October.
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