The Indian men’s hockey team completed the season with a five-star effort as they maintained their dominant display at the Asian Games. As the team’s captain and maybe the finest drag flicker in the world right now, Harmanpreet scored twice as India defeated Japan 5-1 to claim the gold medal.
Japan started the game with a strong defense, not letting India have a genuine opportunity until the very last second of the first quarter. India was next given a penalty corner, which Japan handled with ease. In the 25th minute, Manpreet Singh, the athlete who had guided India to a historic bronze medal in Tokyo, broke the tie with a devastating reverse flick.
Two minutes into the third quarter, Harmanpreet added to India’s scoreboard as they increased their advantage to 2-0. Amit Rohidas increased the score to 3-0 by converting a penalty corner four minutes later.
Early in the fourth and final quarter, Abhishek scored a fourth goal, and with a minute left before the final buzzer, Harmanpreet sealed the victory with his second goal.
The men’s team also qualified directly for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
After Pakistan, the most successful team with eight gold medals in the Asiads, India and South Korea tied for second place in terms of men’s hockey gold medals.
