Olympic Hockey: Indian Men Beat Japan 5-3, To Face Britain In Quarterfinal

Tokyo: The Indian men’s hockey team completed their Olympic Pool A assignments in style on Friday, beating hosts Japan 5-3.

India, who had already been assured of a second-place finish in Pool A behind Australia, finished with 12 points from 5 matches.

The Indians will face Britain on Sunday for a place in the semifinals. Britain drew 2-2 with toppers Belgium to finish third in Pool B.

Having started their campaign with a 3-2 win over New Zealand, India suffered their heaviest ever Olympic defeat when they surrendered 1-7 to Australia. But then they bounced back with great energy and spirit to post successive wins over Spain, Argentina and Japan.

India, who converted two of the four penalty corners they earned, were always in control. They took it easy after leading 2-0 before Japan levelled scores. But India then attacked in waves to score thrice. A late goal helped Japan reduce the margin of defeat.

Gurjant Singh netted 2 for India, while Harmanpreet Singh, Shamser Singh and Nilkanta Sharma scored one each.

QUARTERFINAL FIXTURES (August 1)

Australia vs Netherlands

India vs Britain

Argentina vs Germany

Spain vs Belgium.