Asian Hockey Champions Trophy: Japan humiliate India with 5-3 win in the semis

Japan had a brilliant day on the field as they thrashed India 5-3 in the semi-final of the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy at Dhaka's Maulana Bhashani National Stadium. Indian hockey team were no match against the Japanese side, whom they defeated in their last round-robin game 6-0 on Sunday.

Japan started with a great pace and scored two goals in the first two minutes. Shota Yamada converted the penalty stroke in the first minute while Japan's second goal came in the next minute through penalty corner as Raiki Fujishama scored.

India reduced the deficit by one at the start of the second quarter as Dilpreet scored through a field goal. But Japan earned a penalty stroke through video referral two minutes into the half-time and Yoshiki Kirishita converted the stroke. The Asian champions went into the half-time with a 3-1 lead.

Japan continued their counterattack play in the third quarter as well stretching the lead to 4 goals as Indian defenders were caught napping on various occasions.

There was not much improvement in India's attack during the final quarter as well given the Japanese side were only looking to have the possession. With the win, Japan sealed the summit clash with Korea, who defeated Pakistan 6-5 in the first semifinal.

Now, India and Pakistan will play the bronze medal playoff match on Wednesday.

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