Defending champions India delivered a dominant performance in the men’s Asian Champions Trophy on Monday, defeating Japan 5-1. Sukhjeet Singh led the charge with two goals, finding the net in the 2nd and 60th minutes. Abhishek (3rd), Sanjay (17th), and Uttam Singh (54th) also contributed to India’s impressive victory. Matsumoto Kazumasa scored Japan’s lone goal in the 41st minute.
India, who had won their opening match against China 3-0, earned two penalty corners compared to Japan’s five. The Harmanpreet Singh-led squad will face Malaysia, the runners-up from the last edition, on Wednesday, with Tuesday serving as a rest day.
The tournament features a round-robin league among six teams, with the top four advancing to the semifinals on September 16. The final is scheduled for September 17.
