In the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, India and Japan locked horns in a high-stakes match at Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Despite numerous opportunities, India couldn't capitalise fully, settling for a draw against a determined Japanese side.
Ken Nagayoshi scored for Japan in the 28th minute, while India's equaliser came via a penalty corner conversion by team captain Harmanpreet Singh in the 43rd minute. India's opening match had seen a commanding 7-2 win over China the previous day.
The first quarter was dynamic, marked by India's aggressive approach. However, no team managed to score during this period. India were awarded as many as seven penalty corners, but conversions were unsuccessful. Japan, on the other hand, suffered a setback with a player having to be substituted due to injury.
Vivek Sagar Prasad received a green card in the eighth minute, but the first quarter ended in a stalemate. The second quarter maintained the intensity, with Jugraj Singh getting green-carded in the 27th minute. Japan subsequently gained a penalty corner, converted successfully by Nagayoshi, giving his side a lead.
The Indian team responded with relentless, tactical play, using aerial balls to challenge Japan. Their tenacity paid off in the 43rd minute when Harmanpreet successfully converted a penalty corner, levelling the scores.
The final quarter saw both teams switch gears and adopt an attacking approach. Despite being awarded a penalty corner in the 55th minute, India couldn't capitalise due to a successful video referral by Japan. Mandeep Singh received a yellow card in the 56th minute.
Despite earning 15 corners compared to Japan's two, India couldn't secure the win. Following a day of rest, India are set to face off against Malaysia, while Japan will play against Pakistan, both matches scheduled for August 6.
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