Hockey Asia Cup 2025: Harmanpreet Singh’s brace powers India to 3-2 win over Japan

India bounced back strongly in their second group-stage encounter at the Hockey Asia Cup 2025, edging past Japan 3-2 in a tense battle at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with two penalty-corner conversions, while Mandeep Singh opened the scoring with a sharp field goal in the first quarter. Despite India’s 2-0 cushion at halftime, Japan fought back through Kawabe Kosei, who struck twice to test the hosts’ defence in the closing stages.

India’s composure and key saves from goalkeepers Krishan Bahadur Pathak and Suraj Karkera proved decisive in sealing the win. The result gives India crucial momentum after a shaky start to the tournament against China.

Match Highlights

Q1: Mandeep Singh put India ahead early, followed by Harmanpreet’s first drag-flick goal. India led 2-0 at the end of the quarter.

Q2: Japan wasted multiple penalty corners as India held their lead into halftime.

Q3: Kawabe pulled one back for Japan before Harmanpreet’s second strike restored India’s two-goal cushion.

Q4: Japan scored late again through Kawabe, but India held firm under pressure to close out the 3-2 victory.

Key Takeaways

• Harmanpreet Singh’s brace reaffirmed his role as India’s set-piece specialist.
• India’s defence continued to show vulnerabilities, conceding late goals and struggling with penalty corners.
• Coach Craig Fulton admitted India must tighten up at the back, especially with every team raising their intensity against Asia’s No.1-ranked side.
• Midfield duo Hardik Singh and Manpreet Singh impressed with their link-up play, while Mandeep’s sharpness upfront gave India the early edge.

What’s Next?

India will next look to build consistency and iron out defensive lapses as the group stage intensifies. With the sweltering Rajgir heat also testing fitness levels, squad rotation and discipline will be key in the coming fixtures.