india-narrowly-defeats-japan-3-2-in-junior-asia-cup

India fought hard before registering a narrow 3-2 win over Japan, their second win on the trot, in a Pool A match of the men's Junior Asia Cup hockey tournament in Muscat, Oman on Thursday.

India thrashed Thailand 11-0 in their opener on Wednesday, scoring through Thockchom Kingson Singh (12th minute), Rohit (36th) and Araijeet Singh Hundal (39th).

Both of Japan's goals came from penalty corner conversions by Neo Sato (15th, 38th).

India will next play Chinese Taipei in their next pool game on Saturday.

It was a subdued start from the Indians as Japan went on the early offensive, securing two penalty corners in quick time. Still, on both occasions, India goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh came to his side's rescue with fine saves.

The Indians slowly and steadily got into the rhythm with controlled possession.

Even though Japan was the better side on display in most parts of the first quarter, it was India who took the lead in the 12th minute through Thokchom Kingson Singh's rebound attempt from a penalty corner.

Japan were not to be left behind as they equalised three minutes later through Neo Sato's perfect flick into the right corner of the Indian goal.

Soon after the start of the second quarter, India custodian Bikramjit made a fine save.

The Indians too were not to be left behind but Japan goalkeeper Koki Orogasa made two fine double saves.

Japan secured their third penalty corner at the fag end of the second quarter but failed to execute the opportunity once again as both the teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.

The Japanese were on the front foot after the change of ends as they secured three back-to-back penalty corners but Indian goalkeeper Bikramjit was up to the task.

With nine minutes left from the end of the third quarter, India secured a penalty corner and Rohit converted the chance with a nice drag-flick to hand his side the lead.

But the lead was shortlived as two minutes later, Sato found the net from another set piece to draw level.

India started on the offensive in the fourth and final quarter and secured a penalty corner but the Japanese keeper brilliantly saved Arijeet Singh Hundal's attempt.