Rajgir (Bihar): Skipper Harmanpreet Singh struck a superb hat-trick as the Indian men’s hockey team edged past lower-ranked China 4-3 in a thrilling opening encounter of the Men’s Asia Cup at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Friday.
For India, Harmanpreet (20’, 33’, 47’) scored three goals while Jugraj Singh (18’) added one. China replied through Shihao Du (12’), Benhai Chen (35’), and Jiesheng Gao (41’).
China struck first in the 12th minute when Du converted a penalty corner, putting India on the back foot. However, Jugraj equalised six minutes later from a penalty corner, before skipper Harmanpreet fired India into the lead at 2-1 in the 20th minute. India dominated thereafter and went into half-time ahead.
After the break, Harmanpreet extended the advantage to 3-1 with another penalty corner strike in the 33rd minute. But China responded strongly, as Chen (35’) and Gao (41’) scored off set pieces to level the score 3-3.
With the match finely poised, Harmanpreet stepped up once again, completing his hat-trick in the 47th minute to seal a hard-fought 4-3 win for the hosts. India controlled possession in the dying minutes to secure full points in their opening game.
India will next face Japan on Sunday.
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