India crush Kazakhstan 15-0 in hockey, but tougher challenges lie ahead
Rajgir (Bihar): On Monday, India strengthened its dominance in the Men’s Asia Cup Hockey tournament by thrashing Kazakhstan 15-0. However, under the leadership of Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian team must now gear up for bigger challenges in the Super-4 round.
After a rest day on Tuesday, September 2, the Super-4 round will begin on Wednesday, September 3. The first match will be played between China and Malaysia at 5:00 PM, followed by the second match between India and South Korea at 7:30 PM.
India defeated China and Japan in the league stage as well. Winning all three of its league matches, India entered the Super-4 round unbeaten, where it will face strong teams like South Korea and Malaysia. The Asia Cup champion will qualify for next year’s Hockey World Cup.
Who scored how many goals against Kazakhstan?
India overwhelmed Kazakhstan 15-0 on Monday. Three players scored hat-tricks. In total, seven Indian players scored goals:
Abhishek (4 goals)
Sukhjeet Singh (4 goals)
Jugraj Singh (3 goals)
Captain Harmanpreet Singh (1 goal)
Amit Rohidas (1 goal)
Sanjay (1 goal)
Dilpreet Singh (1 goal)
Why is Malaysia stronger than India?
In the league stage, India topped Group ‘A’ with 9 points, but its goal difference of +17 (goals scored minus goals conceded) was lower compared to Malaysia, which led Group ‘B’ with a goal difference of +21.
Super-4 Fixtures
- September 3: Malaysia vs China, 5:00 PM; India vs South Korea, 7:30 PM
- September 4: South Korea vs China, 5:00 PM; India vs Malaysia, 7:30 PM
- September 6: South Korea vs Malaysia, 5:00 PM; India vs China, 7:30 PM
- September 7: Bronze medal match (3rd/4th place), 5:00 PM
- September 7: Final (Gold/Silver), 7:30 PM