Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], August 8 (ANI): The Indian males’s hockey workforce beat South Korea in a good match by 3-2 within the Asian Champions Trophy on Monday on the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium. Solidifying Men in Blue’s place on the high of the factors desk and guaranteeing them a semifinal spot. After the win, Indian goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh mentioned that the Asian Champions Trophy is only a rehearsal for the Asian Games.
The Asian Games, also called Asiad, is a continental multi-sport occasion held each fourth 12 months amongst athletes from throughout Asia. This 12 months the Asian Games might be performed in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8.
India is on the high with three wins and a attract 4 matches. They have a complete of 10 factors. Malaysia has slipped to second with 9 factors, having gained three and misplaced one match.
India’s objectives got here from midfielder Nilakanta Sharma (6′), captain Harmanpreet Singh (23′), and Mandeep Singh (33′), whereas Korea’s objectives got here from Sunghyun Kim (12′) and Jihun Yang (58′).
While talking to ANI, Parattu Raveendran Sreejesh mentioned, ”The workforce is in rhythm now. We are doing nicely however in case you look into matches then there may be room to enhance. This is the rehearsal for Asian Games so cannot take it frivolously and might’t give any possibilities to different groups.”He added, ”Whenever we play towards Pakistan then it’s an emotional one and the group is anticipating a excessive intense match. We are prepared for that occasion. Pakistan are doing good on the occasion so we hope for an excellent match.”P.R. Sreejesh commented on what it’s prefer to play towards Pakistan, ”I’m lucky sufficient to be right here enjoying repeatedly towards them and I at all times get pleasure from enjoying towards them they’re an excellent workforce. It is so thrilling to play towards them. So, I’m simply ready for the match.”India, which is at present ranked fourth in males’s hockey by the FIH, bought off to a robust begin. In the sixth minute, deft stickwork by Sukhjeet Singh and a subsequent glorious move enabled Nilakanta Sharma to attain the sport’s first purpose.
Nineteenth-ranked Korea answered six minutes later. Sunghyun Kim scored the equaliser by bursting into the free house contained in the circle and defeating Indian custodian Krishan Bahadur Pathak.
Despite Korea’s common circle penetrations, the Indian hockey squad dedicated numerous assaults. When Mandeep Singh related with a Korean defender’s foot within the twenty second minute, India was awarded their first penalty nook.
Harmanpreet Singh’s preliminary drag-flick try was stopped on the road, however on his second try, he managed to get previous the Korean defenders and make it 2-1. Harmanpreet Singh scored his fifth purpose of the match with this effort.
In the second minute of the second half, after Amit Rohidas had did not intercept Harmanpreet Singh’s ball within the circle, Korea was awarded their first penalty nook of the sport. Korea, although, was unable to make a distinction.
Mandeep Singh fired a low shot on the reverse to make it 3-1 as quickly as India countered. In the forty seventh minute, India had a chance to extend their lead, however Harmanpreet Singh missed a penalty shot.
In the next ten minutes, Korea gained as many as eight penalty corners, however brave defence by Indian rushers Amit Rohidas and Manpreet Singh denied the reigning champions an opportunity to capitalise.India saved its two-goal lead till the ultimate siren.
After defeating the People’s Republic of China 7-2 of their opening match, India was tied 1-1 by Japan within the earlier video games. In the third recreation, India triumphed 5-0 over Malaysia.
On Wednesday, the eagerly anticipated India vs. Pakistan recreation will happen. The 2023 Asian Champions Trophy round-robin match might be India’s final recreation. (ANI)