Title contender India got off to a winning start in the Men’s 10th Asia Cup Hockey as they recorded an overwhelming 5-1 drubbing over Japan in the pool A one-sided inaugural derby held on Wednesday at Moulana Bhasani National Hockey Stadium.
One of the subcontinent powerhouse India, who came into the Asia Cup following a disappointing campaign in Hockey World League semifinal round in England, took early lead when Sunil Sowmapret sounded the board for India in the 3rd minute (1-0).
However their lead lasted only one minute as Japan hit back through a field goal from Kenji Kitazoto in the 4th minute (1-1).
Japan, who suffered drubbing in all five matches during their campaign of Hockey World League semifinal round, were seen helpless against mighty India, the world’s sixth-ranked side, who dominated the entire proceeding and scored one after another goal to leave the field with their heads held high.
Harmanpreet Singh converted two penalty corners while man-of-the-match Lalit Upadhyay and Cinglensana Kangujam stuck one goal each to give India a winning start in a bid to regain the title which they won in 2007.
India will play their next match against host Bangladesh scheduled to be held on Friday (October 13) at the same venue.
