Before Japan could even take a proper look at the ball, let alone get comfortable in the game, India’s forwards rushed right into them. Japan hadn’t even touched the ball in the Asian Champions Trophy match until forward Sukhjeet Singh started the attack and had the first chance at goal 30 seconds later.
A further thirty seconds later, defender Sanjay attempted a slap-shot into the “D” while circling the right side of the Japanese circle. A Japanese stick caused it to deflect, and it was thrown into the circle directly in front of the goal. Once more, Sukhjeet was there, and this time he wasted no time in gaining possession and bringing the ball down. Instead, he took a first-time shot and beat the custodian, something that Indian strikers would have been afraid to do in the beginning of the season.
Shortly after, Abhishek, Sukhjeet’s striking partner, masterfully controlled a lovely pass from the left flank and advanced towards the goal, dribbling past players and kissing the baseline. There was a moment when it appeared Abhishek had reached a standstill, with three defenders encircling him and goalie Takumi Kitagawa charging in his direction. However, he defeated them all and placed the ball into the Japanese goal with a display of deft stick movement and wrist action.
India and Japan’s matches are frequently high-scoring contests that go mostly in the bronze medallists’ favour from the Olympics in Tokyo and Paris. The current Asian Games winners defeated the previous gold medallists 5-1 in the Asian winners Trophy tie on Monday, maintaining their table-topping position.
The only side to win both of its games thus far is India. China, the hosts, came in second after defeating Malaysia 4-2 later in the day, but they were defeated 3-0 by Harmanpreet Singh and company on Sunday.
But if the matches’ first two rounds are any indication, it will take something exceptional to prevent India from defending the championship they won in Chennai last year.
On Monday, their intentions were evident as the blue team continued to exert pressure on Japan despite taking an early two-goal lead. Sanjay had a drag-flick attempt in the second quarter, beating captain Harmanpreet Singh. While it didn’t happen much in Paris, Sanjay is considered as India’s backup option for Harmanpreet in penalty corner situations as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup.
He demonstrated on Monday why he was selected for this role by coach Craig Fulton. Sanjay gave India a 3-0 lead in the 17th minute with a powerful flick to the left of the custodian on his first attempt.
Not only did India lead in goals scored, but they also dominated in every other area. At the half, they had 20 circle entries to Japan’s 7, twice as many shots on goal, and 67.9% of the possession in the second quarter.
With a field goal by Kazumasa Matsumoto in the 41st minute—the first goal India’s new top goalie Krishan Pathak has let up in this tournament—Japan did cut the score in the third quarter.
However, Uttam Singh gave India’s three-goal lead back after Jarmanpreet Singh made some deft stick work. It was only fitting that Sukhjeet had the final say in a match that started with his goal early on.
India won 5-1 after Abhishek’s excellent pass to his strike partner in the 60th minute allowed him to finish the move with no difficulty.
On Wednesday, India will play Malaysia.
