Facing first hard challenger in the ongoing Asian Games in Jakarta, India again showcased a flawless hockey to crush Japan 8-0. It was 60 years ago that India defeated the Japanese with the identical score when hockey was introduced in hockey at Japan’s capital in 1958, and almost all teams were new to the new environment.
Despite the overall supremacy by India over the years, the Japanese did not allow India much headway thereafter. The 60-year record stood test of time, as Japan showed vast improvement over the years. Even in the 2010 edition, it was a close affair (3-2), and then both did not meet in the last edition.
India earlier defeated Indonesia 17-0 before making another record of sort against hapless Hong Kong (26-0).
With three wins in as many as matches India ensures its semifinal berth majestically.
India started the game on a brisk note, with SV Sunil striking in a melee in the 7th minute. Five minutes later Dilpreet Singh struck from close quarter. Rupinder struck first of his two goals of the day a minute after first quarter. Both sides changed sides with 3-0 on scorebaord.
Mandeep Singh (11th Min), Rupinder Pal Singh 38th min, Akashdeep Singh 46th minute, and then a minute later
Vivek too entered his name on the scoreboard.
The last goal of the match was struck three miutes before the final hooter.
“Had we known such record, perhaps we would have gone for another one to break it, said a player jovially after the match”‘
Chief coach Harendra Singh did not respond to post match briefing.
However, Japan coach Siegfried Aikman attributed the defeat of his side to extreme fitness and skill levels of their rival today. He said so in his social media page.