India crush Sri Lanka 16-1, but South Korea test looms at Asian Games
After a difficult FIH World Cup , the Indian men’s hockey team is finding its winning rhythm at the Asian Games, but it all comes with a note of caution.
The defending champions followed their 13-1 rout of Indonesia in the opener with another emphatic win at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Tuesday, easing past Sri Lanka 16-1 in Pool A.
World No. 8 India toyed with the 36th-ranked Sri Lankans, with eight players getting on the scoresheet. Jugraj Singh and Abhishek led the way with three goals each.
Mandeep Singh , whose form has been a subject of much debate in recent times, opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Jugraj doubled the lead five minutes later. Abhishek added another a minute after that.
India dominated 68% possession and kept Sri Lanka pinned in their own half for long periods, forcing them into a series of elementary errors. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh joined the scoring in the 16th minute, converting a penalty corner.
India went into the break 8-0 up and added eight more after the change of ends. The margin could have been even bigger had they been more clinical with their penalty corners, converting just five of the 12 they earned.
The real test, however, awaits on Thursday when India face South Korea, who beat Indonesia 5-0 earlier in the day.
The defending champions followed their 13-1 rout of Indonesia in the opener with another emphatic win at the Gifu Prefectural Green Stadium on Tuesday, easing past Sri Lanka 16-1 in Pool A.
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Asian Games Full Coverage | Schedule | Medal Tally World No. 8 India toyed with the 36th-ranked Sri Lankans, with eight players getting on the scoresheet. Jugraj Singh and Abhishek led the way with three goals each.
Mandeep Singh , whose form has been a subject of much debate in recent times, opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Jugraj doubled the lead five minutes later. Abhishek added another a minute after that.
India dominated 68% possession and kept Sri Lanka pinned in their own half for long periods, forcing them into a series of elementary errors. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh joined the scoring in the 16th minute, converting a penalty corner.
India went into the break 8-0 up and added eight more after the change of ends. The margin could have been even bigger had they been more clinical with their penalty corners, converting just five of the 12 they earned.
The real test, however, awaits on Thursday when India face South Korea, who beat Indonesia 5-0 earlier in the day.
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