India crushed Kazakhstan 15-0 in a one-sided match on Monday, securing top position in the pool table and advancing to the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup Hockey Tournament.
India had already secured their Super Four ticket before the match began, but this big win confirmed their top spot in Pool A.
For India, Abhishek (5th, 8th, 20th, and 59th minutes) and Sukhjeet Singh (15th, 32nd, 38th) were among the hat-trick scorers, while Jugraj Singh (24th, 31st, 47th) also scored a hat-trick. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (26th), Amit Rohidas (29th), Rajinder Singh (32nd), Sanjay Singh (54th), and Dilpreet Singh (55th) also scored, securing the team’s victory.
India had defeated China and Japan in their first two matches.
Along with India, China also qualified for the Super Four from this pool, while Malaysia and Korea advanced from Pool B to the next stage.
All four teams will play against each other in the next stage of the tournament, with the top two teams qualifying for the final on Sunday.
After the first few minutes of the match, Sukhjeet controlled the ball in Kazakhstan’s half and passed to Abhishek, who opened India’s account with a reverse shot from the top of the circle.
Three minutes later, Abhishek scored his second goal using a forehand from the same spot. The Indian team earned their first penalty corner just before the end of the first quarter, but Harmanpreet’s attempt was saved by Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper Yerzhan Yelubayev. However, Sukhjeet scored from the resulting free-hit after controlling the pass from Abhishek. Kazakhstan also got a penalty corner but could not capitalize.
India got their second penalty corner in the 18th minute, but Harmanpreet was unlucky as his flick hit the post. Shortly after, Abhisek completed his hat-trick by scoring from a difficult angle after receiving a pass from Harmanpreet.
Kazakhstan got their second penalty corner, but the Indians defended brilliantly.
India got another penalty corner in the 23rd minute of the match, and Jugraj made no mistake in making it 5-0.
A few minutes later, India earned another penalty corner, and this time Harmanpreet did not miss. Dilpreet, however, missed an easy chance to score, but Rohidas converted another set piece just before halftime to register his name on the scoresheet.
After halftime, India strengthened their grip on the match, and Jugraj converted a penalty stroke to put India ahead 8-0.
In this half, the ball remained mostly around the Kazakh goalpost. Rajinder and Sukhjeet continued the goal rush, taking the team’s lead to 10 goals.
In the fourth quarter, Jugraj completed his hat-trick by converting a penalty stroke before Sanjay capitalized on a penalty corner.
Dilpreet Singh also registered his name on the scoresheet, after which Abhishek scored his fourth goal just a minute before the final hooter, sealing Kazakhstan’s crushing defeat.
The head coach of the Indian team appeared satisfied with his team’s performance.
He said, «We have full respect for Kazakhstan. We were already in the Super Four and were being cautious to avoid injuries and mistakes.»
He added, «We are full of confidence. It was good that we spent more time in Kazakhstan’s half, which is what we expected. Scoring 15 goals against any team is not easy.»
The coach said, «Before entering the Super Four, you want your strikers to coordinate and score goals.»
Earlier, Japan failed to secure a place in the Super Four due to goal difference after a 2-2 draw with China.
In the first Pool A match of the day, China took a 2-0 lead through field goals from Changliang Lin (7th minute) and Jiaoji Zhang (25th), after which Japan made a comeback.
Japan staged a brilliant comeback thanks to two goals from Kazumasa Matsum
