India vs Japan, Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Harmanpreet Singh nets brace; India beat Japan 3-2

India vs Japan, Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Live: India, the world’s seventh-ranked men’s hockey team and Asia’s No.1, were handed a wa...

The Times of India | Aug 31, 2025, 16:58:16 IST

India vs Japan, Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Live: India, ranked No.7 in the world and Asia’s top team, were pushed to the brink in their Asia Cup opener by a spirited Chinese side at Rajgir.

Despite Harmanpreet Singh’s hat-trick, defensive lapses cost India dearly as they conceded three penalty corners. Coach Craig Fulton admitted India will be every team’s biggest target, demanding sharper defence ahead of the clash with Japan.

While Hardik Singh and Mandeep combined well, goalkeepers and defenders will need to step up. With extreme heat adding to the challenge, India face Japan, who come in after a 7-0 win over Kazakhstan, eyeing another strong result.

Squads

India: Sumit, Jarmanpreet Singh, Sanjay, Harmanpreet Singh, Amit Rohidas, Jugraj Singh, Krishan Pathak, Suraj Karkera, Mandeep Singh, Shilanand Lakra, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Rajinder Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Hardik Singh, Manpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad.

Japan: Raiki Fujishima, Yuto Higuchi, Kosei Kawabe, Yamato Kawahara, Yusuke Kawamura, Naru Kimura, Kisho Kuroda, Kazumasa Matsumoto, Ken Nagayoshi, Yosei Oba, Shogo Sasaki, Ryosuke Shinohara, Kaito Tanaka, Seren Tanaka, Keita Watanabe, Hyota Yamada, Shota Yamada, Koji Yamasaki, Manabu Yamashita, Takashi Yoshikawa.

India vs Japan, Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Harmanpreet Singh nets brace; India beat Japan 3-2

India secure another hard-fought victory, edging past Japan 3-2. Despite Japan’s late surge and relentless pressure, India’s composure, key goals from Mandeep and Harmanpreet, and solid goalkeeping ensure they hold on for the win.

After sustained pressure, Japan finally break through with a field goal from Kawabe Kosei, cutting India’s lead. With just over a minute remaining in the match, the tension rises as India look to hold on for victory.

India lose a referral, and a penalty corner is awarded to Japan. The hosts will now have to defend sharply as Japan look to capitalise on this opportunity to close the gap.

Japan are pushing hard in attack, trying to break down India’s defense, but the Indian team is holding firm. With disciplined defending and smart positioning, they manage to maintain their two-goal lead as the game intensifies.

Suraj Karkera is brilliant between the posts, making crucial saves to keep India ahead. His sharp reflexes and confident positioning frustrate Japan’s attackers, ensuring the team maintains control of the game.

Harmanpreet Singh steps up and converts the penalty corner, restoring India’s two-goal cushion. His precise strike under pressure underscores his experience and keeps India firmly in control of the match after the third quarter.

As the hooter blows to end the quarter, India are awarded a penalty corner, giving them a last chance to extend their lead before the break. It’s a tense moment as the team looks to capitalise on the opportunity.

Kawabe Kosei breaks the deadlock after halftime, scoring for Japan and reducing India’s lead. His well-timed strike gives Japan a boost of confidence as they look to mount a comeback.

Both teams create chances here and there in the second quarter, but neither manages to find the back of the net. The score remains 2-0 in favour of India as the first half comes to a close.

Japan earn multiple penalty corners, but they remain wasteful with their offensive approach, failing to capitalise on the opportunities. Their inability to convert allows India to maintain control and keep the scoreboard pressure high.

Amit Rohidas has been shown a green card, meaning he will serve a brief suspension and leave the field for two minutes. This gives Japan a temporary numerical advantage, and India will need to manage the short-handed situation carefully.

The second quarter begins. India managed to get the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed as the shot came from outside the striking circle. In field hockey, only goals scored from within the circle are valid, so despite the effort, the scoreboard remains unchanged.

Japan win their first penalty corner but fail to make it count, as goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stands tall with a sharp save. His reflexes deny Japan any opening, keeping India firmly in control.

India are dominating the midfield, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Their sharp passing, quick transitions, and relentless pressure are keeping Japan on the back foot and creating constant opportunities in the attacking circle.

Harmanpreet Singh converts from a penalty corner, adding to India’s lead. After being awarded multiple PCs, it was only a matter of time before the experienced captain made his mark, showcasing his composure and lethal finishing.

Mandeep Singh strikes early with a brilliant field goal, giving India the first blood in the match. His precise finish and sharp movement in the circle set the tone, putting the hosts ahead and energising the team in the opening minutes.

The first quarter kicks off with India in their traditional blue jerseys and Japan in striking red. Both teams look focused and ready, as the opening minutes promise a fast-paced and intense battle on the field.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak is set to make his 150th international appearance in the national colours today. It is a remarkable milestone for the 28-year-old, also a testament to his consistency and dedication to Indian hockey.

The much-anticipated clash between India and Japan is set to begin at 15:10, with the hosts looking to elevate their game further after being tested by China, while Japan enter the contest high on confidence following their 7-0 win over Kazakhstan.

Bangladesh defeated Chinese Taipei 8-3 in the other match of the day, are second and third respectively with three points each.

The viewers can watch the live streaming of the Asia Cup 2025 hockey match between India and Japan on the SonyLiv app and website.

Fans can watch the India vs Japan game live on the Sony Sports Network.

The match between India and Japan will take place at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Rajgir, Bihar.

The India vs Japan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 will be held on Sunday, August 31, with the action starting at 3 PM IST.

Japan are coming into the game after a 7-0 win against Kazakhstan but in the last five games against India, they have lost four times. Only once during the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, they earned a 1-1 draw and will be more than happy if they can achieve the same result on Sunday.

Craig Fulton said: "We are going to be their biggest game. So that’s how it’s always going to be. We are supposedly the highest-ranked team and we’re the favourites. So, every team is going to lift themselves to play us. We have to manage that challenge,

It was quite uncanny to see India concede three PCs considering the hosts have always done well in defending them. And that is one of the major areas that the team will have to improve upon as they face off against Japan in their second group game of the tournament here on Sunday.

India, despite being ranked No.1 in Asia, are looking shaky early on against China. Misplaced passes and defensive errors allow China a couple of half chances inside the opening minutes. The hosts need to settle quickly under the Rajgir heat on Friday.

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India vs Japan, Hockey Asia Cup 2025 Highlights: Harmanpreet Singh nets brace; India beat Japan 3-2

India secure another hard-fought victory, edging past Japan 3-2. Despite Japan’s late surge and relentless pressure, India’s composure, key goals from Mandeep and Harmanpreet, and solid goalkeeping ensure they hold on for the win.

After sustained pressure, Japan finally break through with a field goal from Kawabe Kosei, cutting India’s lead. With just over a minute remaining in the match, the tension rises as India look to hold on for victory.

India lose a referral, and a penalty corner is awarded to Japan. The hosts will now have to defend sharply as Japan look to capitalise on this opportunity to close the gap.

Japan are pushing hard in attack, trying to break down India’s defense, but the Indian team is holding firm. With disciplined defending and smart positioning, they manage to maintain their two-goal lead as the game intensifies.

Suraj Karkera is brilliant between the posts, making crucial saves to keep India ahead. His sharp reflexes and confident positioning frustrate Japan’s attackers, ensuring the team maintains control of the game.

Harmanpreet Singh steps up and converts the penalty corner, restoring India’s two-goal cushion. His precise strike under pressure underscores his experience and keeps India firmly in control of the match after the third quarter.

As the hooter blows to end the quarter, India are awarded a penalty corner, giving them a last chance to extend their lead before the break. It’s a tense moment as the team looks to capitalise on the opportunity.

Kawabe Kosei breaks the deadlock after halftime, scoring for Japan and reducing India’s lead. His well-timed strike gives Japan a boost of confidence as they look to mount a comeback.

Both teams create chances here and there in the second quarter, but neither manages to find the back of the net. The score remains 2-0 in favour of India as the first half comes to a close.

Japan earn multiple penalty corners, but they remain wasteful with their offensive approach, failing to capitalise on the opportunities. Their inability to convert allows India to maintain control and keep the scoreboard pressure high.

Amit Rohidas has been shown a green card, meaning he will serve a brief suspension and leave the field for two minutes. This gives Japan a temporary numerical advantage, and India will need to manage the short-handed situation carefully.

The second quarter begins. India managed to get the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed as the shot came from outside the striking circle. In field hockey, only goals scored from within the circle are valid, so despite the effort, the scoreboard remains unchanged.

Japan win their first penalty corner but fail to make it count, as goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak stands tall with a sharp save. His reflexes deny Japan any opening, keeping India firmly in control.

India are dominating the midfield, controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Their sharp passing, quick transitions, and relentless pressure are keeping Japan on the back foot and creating constant opportunities in the attacking circle.

Harmanpreet Singh converts from a penalty corner, adding to India’s lead. After being awarded multiple PCs, it was only a matter of time before the experienced captain made his mark, showcasing his composure and lethal finishing.

Mandeep Singh strikes early with a brilliant field goal, giving India the first blood in the match. His precise finish and sharp movement in the circle set the tone, putting the hosts ahead and energising the team in the opening minutes.

The first quarter kicks off with India in their traditional blue jerseys and Japan in striking red. Both teams look focused and ready, as the opening minutes promise a fast-paced and intense battle on the field.

Krishan Bahadur Pathak is set to make his 150th international appearance in the national colours today. It is a remarkable milestone for the 28-year-old, also a testament to his consistency and dedication to Indian hockey.

The much-anticipated clash between India and Japan is set to begin at 15:10, with the hosts looking to elevate their game further after being tested by China, while Japan enter the contest high on confidence following their 7-0 win over Kazakhstan.

Bangladesh defeated Chinese Taipei 8-3 in the other match of the day, are second and third respectively with three points each.

The viewers can watch the live streaming of the Asia Cup 2025 hockey match between India and Japan on the SonyLiv app and website.

Fans can watch the India vs Japan game live on the Sony Sports Network.

The match between India and Japan will take place at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, Rajgir, Bihar.

The India vs Japan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 will be held on Sunday, August 31, with the action starting at 3 PM IST.

Japan are coming into the game after a 7-0 win against Kazakhstan but in the last five games against India, they have lost four times. Only once during the 2023 Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, they earned a 1-1 draw and will be more than happy if they can achieve the same result on Sunday.

Craig Fulton said: "We are going to be their biggest game. So that’s how it’s always going to be. We are supposedly the highest-ranked team and we’re the favourites. So, every team is going to lift themselves to play us. We have to manage that challenge,

It was quite uncanny to see India concede three PCs considering the hosts have always done well in defending them. And that is one of the major areas that the team will have to improve upon as they face off against Japan in their second group game of the tournament here on Sunday.

India, despite being ranked No.1 in Asia, are looking shaky early on against China. Misplaced passes and defensive errors allow China a couple of half chances inside the opening minutes. The hosts need to settle quickly under the Rajgir heat on Friday.

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