Hockey Asian Champions Trophy: India thrash Japan for 2nd win on trot

Sukhjeet Singh struck a brace as defending champions India thrashed Japan 5-1 to notch up their second consecutive win in the men’s Hero Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament.

Sukhjeet scored in the second and 60th minutes while Abhishek (3rd), Sanjay (17th) and Uttam Singh (54th) were the other Indian goal getters. Matsumoto Kazumasa pulled one back for Japan in the 41st minute. “It was a complete team effort and we stuck to the basics. We produced good attacks and ensured we were on target,” Player of the Match Abhishek said.

China beat Malaysia 4-2, while Pakistan and South Korea played out a 2-2 draw.

India will meet last-edition’s runners-up Malaysia on Wednesday.