Gifu, September 26 (HS): The Indian men’s hockey team secured a place in the semi-finals of the Asian Games 2026 after defeating hosts Japan 2-0 in their Pool A match on Saturday. At the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium, Abhishek and captain Harmanpreet Singh scored the goals for India.

Abhishek opened the scoring in the final minute of the first quarter to give India a 1-0 lead. In the third quarter, captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to double India’s advantage and make it 2-0.

Japan created several scoring opportunities, but Indian goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Mohit H. S. made crucial saves to keep the hosts from finding the net and ensured that India maintained a clean sheet.

Japan’s penalty-corner defence was also effective, keeping India’s drag-flickers at bay for long periods. However, in the third quarter, Harmanpreet eventually breached Japan’s resolute defence by converting a penalty corner and extending India’s lead.

Light rain persisted throughout the match, making ball control difficult for both teams. Japan launched a series of attacks in the second quarter, but after scoring their second goal, India gained greater control of the contest.

With four wins from four Pool A matches, India have moved to 12 points. Japan and South Korea have nine points each and will face each other in their final pool match.

India will play their final Pool A match against Bangladesh.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar