Pakistan has withdrawn from Junior Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai in India from November 20 to December 28. Earlier, Pakistan had also withdrawn from the Asia Cup men's hockey tournament which was too held in India. Both the decisions have been taken in light of the recent exchange of hostilities between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in India's Jammu and Kashmir. India decided to snap bilateral ties including sports with Pakistan in wake of the April horror and Pakistan copied the step later on.<h2>Who will replace Pakistan in Junior Hockey World Cup?</h2>The FIH, world body of hockey, has said that a replacement would be announced soon to ensure that the tournament goes on as planned. Pakistan backed out for safety reasons as well as current political situation between the two countries. After Pakistan had opted out of the Asia Cup which took place in Rajgir, Bihar, Bangladesh had replaced them in the tournament. The FIH, however, is yet to take a call on Pakistan's replacement for the 24-team global tournament.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-in-fight-with-psl-franchise-multan-sultans-owner-hits-out-at-board-in-apology-says-my-fault-for-being-dissatisfied-with-mediocre-mindset-1761302667478">PSL franchise owner hits out at PCB with 'tongue-in-cheek' apology</a><h2>What is India's stand on the situation?</h2>Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey had earlier said that Pakistan is allowed to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup despite not playing in the Asia Cup. “While Pakistan won’t be playing the waiting game for them, the welcome door will always be open,” Tirkey noted.The Indian government's official stance is allowing the Indian team, of every sport, to participate in the multi-nation tournaments without travelling to Pakistan including for bilateral events. Recently, Indian government allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian cricket team to Asia Cup T20 tournament in UAE which they eventually won. The Indian cricket team, however, refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistan team as well denying taking the winner's trophy from ACC chiefs Mohsin Naqvi who is also a minister in Pakistan's federal government.&nbsp;

The FIH, world body of hockey, has said that a replacement would be announced soon to ensure that the tournament goes on as planned. Pakistan backed out for safety reasons as well as current political situation between the two countries.

Pakistan has withdrawn from Junior Hockey World Cup scheduled to be held in Chennai and Madurai in India from November 20 to December 28. Earlier, Pakistan had also withdrawn from the Asia Cup men's hockey tournament which was too held in India. Both the decisions have been taken in light of the recent exchange of hostilities between the two countries after the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 in India's Jammu and Kashmir. India decided to snap bilateral ties including sports with Pakistan in wake of the April horror and Pakistan copied the step later on. Who will replace Pakistan in Junior Hockey World Cup? The FIH, world body of hockey, has said that a replacement would be announced soon to ensure that the tournament goes on as planned. Pakistan backed out for safety reasons as well as current political situation between the two countries. After Pakistan had opted out of the Asia Cup which took place in Rajgir, Bihar, Bangladesh had replaced them in the tournament. The FIH, however, is yet to take a call on Pakistan's replacement for the 24-team global tournament. Also Read - PSL franchise owner hits out at PCB with 'tongue-in-cheek' apology What is India's stand on the situation? Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey had earlier said that Pakistan is allowed to participate in the Junior Hockey World Cup despite not playing in the Asia Cup. “While Pakistan won’t be playing the waiting game for them, the welcome door will always be open,” Tirkey noted. The Indian government's official stance is allowing the Indian team, of every sport, to participate in the multi-nation tournaments without travelling to Pakistan including for bilateral events. Recently, Indian government allowed the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to send the Indian cricket team to Asia Cup T20 tournament in UAE which they eventually won. The Indian cricket team, however, refrained from shaking hands with the Pakistan team as well denying taking the winner's trophy from ACC chiefs Mohsin Naqvi who is also a minister in Pakistan's federal government.

The FIH, world body of hockey, has said that a replacement would be announced soon to ensure that the tournament goes on as planned. Pakistan backed out for safety reasons as well as current political situation between the two countries.

After Asia Cup, Pakistan backs out of Junior Hockey World Cup, to be held in India from November 28

Pakistan junior hockey team is expected to take part in the upcoming FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 which is scheduled to be played in India from November 20 to December 10. The update comes amid strained ties between the two countries following a dastardly terror attack in India's Pahalgam on April 22 and India's precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response. The two nations were involved in three-day conflict in May earlier this year following which a ceasefire was reached but the sporting ties have been cut off altogether.<h2>Pakistan's junior hockey team to come to India for World Cup</h2>Hockey India's general secretary, Bhola Nath Singh, on the sidelines of ongoing Asia Cup Hockey 2025, made the announcement that Pakistan's junior hockey team is expected to come India for the FIH Junior World Cup later this year. He announced the developments on Saturday (Aug 30).“I can confirm that Pakistan will play in the Junior World Cup in India. I spoke to the PHF [Pakistan Hockey Federation] officials last night and they assured me that their team will participate in India,” said Singh on the sidelines of the ongoing event in Rajgir.<h2>Why Pakistan not playing in Asia Cup 2025</h2>Both India and Pakistan, in the aftermath of April-May-June conflict have been reluctant in sending any sports team to each other's country. While India's premier cricket body, BCCI, had previously been on the same stance, the final say lies with the government of both countries.The BCCI has agreed on allowing India team to play in multi-national tournaments and has decided to avoid playing or sending the the team to Pakistan for bilateral series. The BCCI, however, had declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 - a multi-national tournament - after which they played the games in UAE.Pakistan's hockey team (senior) also decided to not come to India for the Asia Cup 2025 but secretary general Singh says there won't be any repercussion for the same and was quoted as sa

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh has confirmed Pakistan's participation in upcoming FIH men's junior hockey World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India from November 28 to December 10.

Pakistan junior hockey team is expected to take part in the upcoming FIH Men's Junior World Cup 2025 which is scheduled to be played in India from November 20 to December 10. The update comes amid strained ties between the two countries following a dastardly terror attack in India's Pahalgam on April 22 and India's precision strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir in response. The two nations were involved in three-day conflict in May earlier this year following which a ceasefire was reached but the sporting ties have been cut off altogether. Pakistan's junior hockey team to come to India for World Cup Hockey India's general secretary, Bhola Nath Singh, on the sidelines of ongoing Asia Cup Hockey 2025, made the announcement that Pakistan's junior hockey team is expected to come India for the FIH Junior World Cup later this year. He announced the developments on Saturday (Aug 30). “I can confirm that Pakistan will play in the Junior World Cup in India. I spoke to the PHF [Pakistan Hockey Federation] officials last night and they assured me that their team will participate in India,” said Singh on the sidelines of the ongoing event in Rajgir. Why Pakistan not playing in Asia Cup 2025 Both India and Pakistan, in the aftermath of April-May-June conflict have been reluctant in sending any sports team to each other's country. While India's premier cricket body, BCCI, had previously been on the same stance, the final say lies with the government of both countries. The BCCI has agreed on allowing India team to play in multi-national tournaments and has decided to avoid playing or sending the the team to Pakistan for bilateral series. The BCCI, however, had declined to send the Indian team to Pakistan for Champions Trophy 2025 - a multi-national tournament - after which they played the games in UAE. Pakistan's hockey team (senior) also decided to not come to India for the Asia Cup 2025 but secretary general Singh says there won't be any repercussion for the same and was quoted as sa

Hockey India secretary general Bhola Nath Singh has confirmed Pakistan's participation in upcoming FIH men's junior hockey World Cup which is scheduled to be held in India from November 28 to December 10.

Absent from Asia Cup 2025 but Pakistan team to come to India for upcoming FIH men's junior hockey World Cup

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has told the sport's global governing body FIH that it will be "difficult" for them to send a team to India to take part in the the Asia Cup next month due to "security concerns". PHF's head, Tariq Bugti, said that they have a written to the global governing body and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) communicating their reservations over sending their team to India. "We have informed them that in the existing scenario, our team will face security risks playing in India," he said. "We have informed them our players are also not keen to travel to India for the Asia Cup which is also a direct qualifying tournament," he added.&nbsp;Tariq further said that it is now up to the FIH and AHF to take a call about the event and Pakistan's fixtures. "We have asked them to let us know what guarantee is there that our players will be safe in India and will be able to focus on the tournament," he said. The Pakistan government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. It is also important to note that the Indian government and Hockey India have also not commented on the matter yet. &nbsp;<h2>40-member core group for senior women’s National camp announced</h2>Meanwhile, Hockey India announced a 40-member core probables group for the upcoming Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from 21st July to 29th August 2025. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team gears up for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on 5th September in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retained, reflecting a continued emphasis on stability and long-term development under the current coaching setup.&nbsp;Goalkeepers1. Savita&nbsp;2. Bichu Devi Kharibam3. Bansari Solanki&nbsp;4. Madhuri Kindo&nbsp;5. Samiksha Saxena&nbsp;Defenders6. Mahima Chaudhary&nbsp;7. Nikki Pradhan8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam9. Udita10 .Ishika Chaudhary11. Jyoti Chhatri12. Jyoti13. Akshata Abaso Dhekale&nbsp;14. Anjna Dungdung15. Suman Devi Thoudam&nbsp;Midfielders16. Sujata Kujur17. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke&nbsp;18. Neha19. Salima Tete20. Manisha Chauhan21. Ajmina Kujur&nbsp;22. Sunelita Toppo23. Lalremsiami24. Sharmila Devi25. Baljeet Kaur26. Mahima Tete27. Albela Rani Toppo28. Pooja Yadav&nbsp;Forwards29. Dipimonika Toppo30. Hritika Singh&nbsp;31. Deepika Soreng32. Navneet Kaur33. Sangita Kumari34. Deepika35. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal36. Beauty Dungdung37. Mumtaz Khan38. Annu&nbsp;39. Chandana Jagadish40. Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar

‘What guarantee is there our players will be safe?’: Pakistan to FIH on Asia Cup in India

The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) has told the sport's global governing body FIH that it will be "difficult" for them to send a team to India to take part in the the Asia Cup next month due to "security concerns". PHF's head, Tariq Bugti, said that they have a written to the global governing body and the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) communicating their reservations over sending their team to India. "We have informed them that in the existing scenario, our team will face security risks playing in India," he said. "We have informed them our players are also not keen to travel to India for the Asia Cup which is also a direct qualifying tournament," he added. Tariq further said that it is now up to the FIH and AHF to take a call about the event and Pakistan's fixtures. "We have asked them to let us know what guarantee is there that our players will be safe in India and will be able to focus on the tournament," he said. The Pakistan government is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. It is also important to note that the Indian government and Hockey India have also not commented on the matter yet. 40-member core group for senior women’s National camp announced Meanwhile, Hockey India announced a 40-member core probables group for the upcoming Senior Women’s National Coaching Camp, scheduled to be held at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) Centre in Bengaluru from 21st July to 29th August 2025. The camp holds significant importance as the Indian Women’s Hockey Team gears up for the Women’s Asia Cup 2025, set to begin on 5th September in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will serve as a direct qualification pathway for the 2026 FIH Women’s World Cup, with only the champion earning a guaranteed spot. All players from the previous camp have been retained, reflecting a continued emphasis on stability and long-term development under the current coaching setup. Goalkeepers 1. Savita 2. Bichu Devi Kharibam 3. Bansari Solanki 4. Madhuri Kindo 5. Samiksha Saxena Defenders 6. Mahima Chaudhary 7. Nikki Pradhan 8. Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam 9. Udita 10 .Ishika Chaudhary 11. Jyoti Chhatri 12. Jyoti 13. Akshata Abaso Dhekale 14. Anjna Dungdung 15. Suman Devi Thoudam Midfielders 16. Sujata Kujur 17. Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke 18. Neha 19. Salima Tete 20. Manisha Chauhan 21. Ajmina Kujur 22. Sunelita Toppo 23. Lalremsiami 24. Sharmila Devi 25. Baljeet Kaur 26. Mahima Tete 27. Albela Rani Toppo 28. Pooja Yadav Forwards 29. Dipimonika Toppo 30. Hritika Singh 31. Deepika Soreng 32. Navneet Kaur 33. Sangita Kumari 34. Deepika 35. Rutaja Dadaso Pisal 36. Beauty Dungdung 37. Mumtaz Khan 38. Annu 39. Chandana Jagadish 40. Kajal Sadashiv Atpadkar

The 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup will be held in Rajgir, India from August 27-September 7. The tournament is organised by the Asian Hockey Federation

The Indian men's hockey team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league match and avenge its loss in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday.

The defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, scored two eye-catching field goals through Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th) to register a narrow win.

Japan's lone goal came from a penalty corner through Takuma Niwa in the 18th minute.

Japan threatened India initially and secured a penalty corner as early as in the opening minute but the Indians thwarted the danger.

The Indians grew in confidence and got their footing as the match progressed.

It was a moment of brilliance from Manjeet that handed India the lead. He made a brilliant solo run down the left flank after receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar.

Maninder Singh earned India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Nilam Sanjeep Xess' effort was saved by the Japanese defence.

As was the case in the first quarter, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes on a promising note and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute from which Takuma Niwas scored from a rebound after Ken Nagayoshi's initial flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-should-just-pack-his-bat-into-his-bag-michael-vaughan-has-an-interesting-advice-for-virat-kohli-482967" hreflang="en">'Should just pack his bat into his bag': Vaughan's interesting advice to Kohli</a>

Pepped up by the goal, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defence and earned two more penalty corners, which the Indian defence kept at bay.

Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden chance as he failed to get past Japanese goalie Yoshikawa from one-one-one situation.

Rajbhar restored India's lead five minutes into the second half, slotting home from close range after being set up by Uttam Singh's brilliant stick work.

Five minutes later, India conceded another penalty corner but the Japanese failed to capitalise on the chance.

Trailing by a goal, the Japanese mounted relentless pressure on the Indian citadel but the Birendra Lakra-led backline stood firm to keep their lead intact.

Just three minutes from the final hooter, Japan secured a penalty corner but the Indians defended in numbers to register the win.

India will play Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday.

Meanwhile, in the other Super 4 match of the day, South Korea and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw. 
In the Super 4s, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once with the top two teams progressing to the final.

The Indian men's hockey team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league match and avenge its loss in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday.

The Indian men's hockey team scored two fantastic field goals to beat Japan 2-1 in its first Super 4 league match and avenge its loss in the pool stage of the Asia Cup here on Saturday. The defending champions, who lost 2-5 against Japan in the pool stage, scored two eye-catching field goals through Manjeet (8th minute) and Pawan Rajbhar (35th) to register a narrow win. Japan's lone goal came from a penalty corner through Takuma Niwa in the 18th minute. Japan threatened India initially and secured a penalty corner as early as in the opening minute but the Indians thwarted the danger. The Indians grew in confidence and got their footing as the match progressed. It was a moment of brilliance from Manjeet that handed India the lead. He made a brilliant solo run down the left flank after receiving a pass from Pawan Rajbhar and used 3D skills to perfection to beat Takashi Yoshikawa under the Japanese bar. Maninder Singh earned India a penalty corner in the 13th minute but Nilam Sanjeep Xess' effort was saved by the Japanese defence. As was the case in the first quarter, the Japanese started the second 15 minutes on a promising note and secured a penalty corner in the 18th minute from which Takuma Niwas scored from a rebound after Ken Nagayoshi's initial flick was saved by Indian goalkeeper Karkera. Also read | 'Should just pack his bat into his bag': Vaughan's interesting advice to Kohli Pepped up by the goal, Japan continued to put pressure on the Indian defence and earned two more penalty corners, which the Indian defence kept at bay. Minutes later, Karthi Selvam missed a golden chance as he failed to get past Japanese goalie Yoshikawa from one-one-one situation. Rajbhar restored India's lead five minutes into the second half, slotting home from close range after being set up by Uttam Singh's brilliant stick work. Five minutes later, India conceded another penalty corner but the Japanese failed to capitalise on the chance. Trailing by a goal, the Japanese mounted relentless pressure on the Indian citadel but the Birendra Lakra-led backline stood firm to keep their lead intact. Just three minutes from the final hooter, Japan secured a penalty corner but the Indians defended in numbers to register the win. India will play Malaysia in their next Super 4 stage match on Sunday. Meanwhile, in the other Super 4 match of the day, South Korea and Malaysia played out a 2-2 draw. In the Super 4s, India, Japan, South Korea and Malaysia will play each other once with the top two teams progressing to the final.

Asia Cup hockey: India beat Japan 2-1 in first Super 4 league match, avenge pool loss

Indian eves got off to a roaring start at the Women&#39;s Asia Cup 2017 with a dominating 10-0 victory over Singapore here today.

Navneet Kaur (3rd &amp; 41st minutes), Rani (15th &amp; 18th) and Navjot Kaur (30th &amp; 50th) netted the ball twice, while Lalremsiami (18th), Deep Grace Ekka (25th), Gurjit Kaur (41st) and Sonika (45th) scored once each to ensure India notched up winning points in their opening match of Pool A.

India began with positive intent by attacking Singapore&#39;s circle constantly, looking for an opportunity to score.

The effort worked as the team won back-to-back penalty corners in the first quarter. Though the first PC was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Felissa Lai, it hardly dented India&#39;s spirit as they were precise in their counter.

It was Navneet and Rani&#39;s goals in the 3rd and 15th minute that gave India a 2-0 lead in the first quarter itself.

India continued their fine run in the second quarter as well, adding four more goals, to go into the 10-minute half- time break with an imposing 6-0 lead.

After Grace scored off a PC in the 25th minute, dragflicker Gurjit was fierce in her strike to score India&#39;s seventh goal through another PC in the 41st minute.

India stayed resolute as they continued to put pressure on Singapore&#39;s defense, pumping two more goals in the third quarter through Navneet and Sonika.

The final 15 minutes saw India win back-to-back PCs but Singapore defense averted conceding goals.

However, a quick-thinking Navjot scored a field goal in the 50th minute to earn her team a 10-0 lead.

India&#39;s defense, meanwhile, put&nbsp;up a strong display throughout the match.

Earlier in the day, China beat Malaysia 5-4 in a closely fought encounter.

Earlier in the day, China beat Malaysia 5-4 in a closely fought encounter

Indian eves got off to a roaring start at the Women's Asia Cup 2017 with a dominating 10-0 victory over Singapore here today. Navneet Kaur (3rd & 41st minutes), Rani (15th & 18th) and Navjot Kaur (30th & 50th) netted the ball twice, while Lalremsiami (18th), Deep Grace Ekka (25th), Gurjit Kaur (41st) and Sonika (45th) scored once each to ensure India notched up winning points in their opening match of Pool A. India began with positive intent by attacking Singapore's circle constantly, looking for an opportunity to score. The effort worked as the team won back-to-back penalty corners in the first quarter. Though the first PC was saved by Singapore goalkeeper Felissa Lai, it hardly dented India's spirit as they were precise in their counter. It was Navneet and Rani's goals in the 3rd and 15th minute that gave India a 2-0 lead in the first quarter itself. India continued their fine run in the second quarter as well, adding four more goals, to go into the 10-minute half- time break with an imposing 6-0 lead. After Grace scored off a PC in the 25th minute, dragflicker Gurjit was fierce in her strike to score India's seventh goal through another PC in the 41st minute. India stayed resolute as they continued to put pressure on Singapore's defense, pumping two more goals in the third quarter through Navneet and Sonika. The final 15 minutes saw India win back-to-back PCs but Singapore defense averted conceding goals. However, a quick-thinking Navjot scored a field goal in the 50th minute to earn her team a 10-0 lead. India's defense, meanwhile, put up a strong display throughout the match. Earlier in the day, China beat Malaysia 5-4 in a closely fought encounter.

Asia Cup hockey: India beat Singapore 10-0

Title favourites India produced an impressive performance to outclass Japan 5-1 in their opening campaign at the 10th edition of the men&#39; Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dhaka&nbsp;today.

In their first tournament under a new coach, India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents.

SV Sunil (3rd minute), Lalit Upadhyay (22nd), Ramandeep Singh (33rd) and Harmanpreet Singh (35th and 48th) were on target.

Japan&#39;s lone goal came through Kenji Kitazato&#39;s stick in the 4th minute.

World No 6 India did not look rusty under their new coach, Marijne Sjoerd, who took charge of the team just last month following the sudden sacking of Roelant Oltmans.

India were quick to get off the blocks when Sunil, after a fine one-two with Akashdeep Singh, pushed the ball in an open net.

But India&#39;s joy was shortlived as Japan struck in the next minute through Kitazato&#39;s field strike.

The Indians completely dominated the proceedings and exploited every single bit of space given by the Japanese.

They utilised both the wings to perfection to set up their attacks.

India got their first of their four penalty corners in the 21st minute but Harmanpreet&#39;s flick didn&#39;t have enough power to trouble the Japanese citadel.

An inch-perfect scoop from Harmanpreet from the halfway mark found Lalit inside the D and the striker slotted home with a reverse shot after brilliantly controlling the ball.

Two minutes into the second half India extended their lead through Ramandeep, who scored a gem with a thundering shot from a tight angle after being set up by Sunil.

Next it was Harmanpreet&#39;s turn to register his name in the scoresheet and the drag-flicker did so by converting India&#39;s second penalty corner in the 40th minute.

Minutes later, Akashdeep missed a sitter. Sunil found an unmarked Akashdeep inside the circle but he hit the ball straight to the pads of the Japanese goalie despite having all the time to find his spot.

But soon Harmanpreet made the scoreline 5-1 in favour of India, scoring with a fine variation from their third penalty corner.

The Indians couldn&#39;t have asked for a better start to the tournament as they showcased near-perfect hockey, which was full of short one-two passes, quick turnovers and variations.

India earned two more penalty corners in the final minutes of the game but wasted both.

Japan too secured two scoring chances in the dying minutes in the form of penalty corners but the Indian defence held the fort.

The Indians will next play hosts Bangladesh in their next Pool A match on Friday. 
&nbsp;

India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents.

Title favourites India produced an impressive performance to outclass Japan 5-1 in their opening campaign at the 10th edition of the men' Asia Cup hockey tournament in Dhaka today. In their first tournament under a new coach, India meant business and found the net in each quarter, twice in the third, to streamroll their less-fancied but tricky opponents. SV Sunil (3rd minute), Lalit Upadhyay (22nd), Ramandeep Singh (33rd) and Harmanpreet Singh (35th and 48th) were on target. Japan's lone goal came through Kenji Kitazato's stick in the 4th minute. World No 6 India did not look rusty under their new coach, Marijne Sjoerd, who took charge of the team just last month following the sudden sacking of Roelant Oltmans. India were quick to get off the blocks when Sunil, after a fine one-two with Akashdeep Singh, pushed the ball in an open net. But India's joy was shortlived as Japan struck in the next minute through Kitazato's field strike. The Indians completely dominated the proceedings and exploited every single bit of space given by the Japanese. They utilised both the wings to perfection to set up their attacks. India got their first of their four penalty corners in the 21st minute but Harmanpreet's flick didn't have enough power to trouble the Japanese citadel. An inch-perfect scoop from Harmanpreet from the halfway mark found Lalit inside the D and the striker slotted home with a reverse shot after brilliantly controlling the ball. Two minutes into the second half India extended their lead through Ramandeep, who scored a gem with a thundering shot from a tight angle after being set up by Sunil. Next it was Harmanpreet's turn to register his name in the scoresheet and the drag-flicker did so by converting India's second penalty corner in the 40th minute. Minutes later, Akashdeep missed a sitter. Sunil found an unmarked Akashdeep inside the circle but he hit the ball straight to the pads of the Japanese goalie despite having all the time to find his spot. But soon Harmanpreet made the scoreline 5-1 in favour of India, scoring with a fine variation from their third penalty corner. The Indians couldn't have asked for a better start to the tournament as they showcased near-perfect hockey, which was full of short one-two passes, quick turnovers and variations. India earned two more penalty corners in the final minutes of the game but wasted both. Japan too secured two scoring chances in the dying minutes in the form of penalty corners but the Indian defence held the fort. The Indians will next play hosts Bangladesh in their next Pool A match on Friday.

India thrash Japan in Asia Cup hockey

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After Asia Cup, Pakistan backs out of Junior Hockey World Cup, to be held in India from November 28

Pakistan team to come to India for upcoming FIH men's junior hockey World Cup

‘What guarantee is there our players will be safe?’: Pak to FIH on Asia Cup

Asia Cup hockey: India beat Japan 2-1 in first Super 4 league match, avenge pool loss

Asia Cup hockey: India beat Singapore 10-0

India thrash Japan in Asia Cup hockey