Sports

Asia Cup Hockey: India begins with a win, but performance remains lackluster

Rajgir (Bihar): Host India’s men’s hockey team started their Asia Cup campaign with a 4-3 victory over a lower-ranked China. However, under captain Harmanpreet Singh, the team’s overall performance was far from impressive. In other matches, Malaysia defeated Bangladesh 4-1, while Korea thrashed Chinese Taipei 7-0.

Against China, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored a hat-trick, while Jugraj Singh equalized in the 18th minute with India’s first goal. Harmanpreet then struck in the 20th, 33rd, and 47th minutes through penalty corners to give India a decisive lead.

For China, Shihao Du (12’), Benhai Chen (35’), and Jisheng Gao (41’) found the net. Despite being awarded 11 penalty corners, India managed to convert only four. India will next face Japan on Sunday.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the India-China match and, prior to the game, paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand on the occasion of National Sports Day.

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