India-Japan encounter was the opening match of the 1999 Asia Cup where India won the Silver. Similarly, both vastly improving nations will clash in the first match of the Dhaka Asia Cup tomorrow. In 1999, India won Japan with a respectable score of 3-1. Whether India will keep up its clean slate against the peninsular nation will be answered tomorrow in the Asia Cup opener at the Maulana Bhashani National Stadium in Dhaka.

Recent meeting of the two throw possibility of close encounter. India played Japan in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year only to see how much Japan has improved, and how it became difficult to post a narrow 4-3 win.

Indian skipper Manpreet Singh, a matured man now, is aware of the task at hand.

“The opening match of the tournament is always challenging because we need to get over the early nervousness and find our rhythm. We have had two good practice sessions on the main pitch and even played a practice match against Oman. The team is upbeat and ready for the first challenge,” stated skipper Manpreet Singh on the eve of their first match.

“It’s Japan’s ability to play fast-paced hockey with good attack that makes them an unpredictable team. At the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup they set up a shocking 3-2 win over World No.2 Australia. “We have seen how they play and they are definitely one of the fastest improving sides in Asia. We can never take Japan to be an easy team,” expressed Manpreet.

India’s defence line-up saw a minor change with the experienced Kothajit Singh missing out due to an injury.

“But we are now joined by Amit Rohidas who has just returned from a good outing at the Australian Hockey League and he did well during India’s tour of Belgium and Holland so we don’t see Kothajit’s absence as a set-back,” explained Manpreet.

On the other hand, Japanese National Coach Siegfried Aikman minced no words when he said that every team stands a chance to make the final in this tournament. “It’s a major tournament which gives us the opportunity to play at the highest level. The World Cup Qualifier makes it even more challenging for us but reality is that we need to know our place in the ranking. We stand for a huge challenge to compete with outstanding teams in our group. However, this is sports and in sports its always possible to flip the script. So, let’s wait and see,” he stated.

He further added: “I think that India has the best chances as the highest ranked team in this tournament. But behind India almost all countries can surprise. As I said before we don’t come only to participate we came to achieve our goals.”