India stamped their authority early, netting twice in the opening five minutes. Sukhjeet Singh’s clever baseline pass found Mandeep Singh (4’), who neatly slotted home the opener. A minute later, India capitalised on their first penalty corner, with captain Harmanpreet Singh (5’) powering a flick past the Japanese goalkeeper. Japan tried to respond with a penalty corner in the 13th minute, but India’s defence remained resolute.
The second quarter saw Japan push harder, creating chances through Ryosuke Shinohara and a couple of penalty corners, but India’s backline, led by Jarmanpreet Singh, held firm. At halftime, the hosts maintained their 2-0 advantage.
Japan clawed their way back in the third quarter when Kosei Kawabe (38’) converted a difficult pass with a sharp-angled shot. However, India restored their two-goal cushion just before the break, with Harmanpreet (46’) converting another penalty corner through the goalkeeper’s legs.
The final quarter saw Japan intensify their attack. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera produced brilliant saves to deny Japan from successive penalty corners. India also pressed forward, with Abhishek going close from the right flank.
In the dying moments, Kawabe (59’) scored his second of the match, narrowing the deficit to 3-2. A yellow card to Harmanpreet in the last minute left India down to 10 men, but they slowed the game effectively to seal the win.
The result marked a special day for veteran goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who celebrated his 150th international appearance. With this win, India continue their unbeaten run and will next face Kazakhstan in their final Pool A clash on Monday.
