Kakamigahara (Japan): Skipper and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh’s exemplary performance, including a stunning tally of seven goals, ensured India advanced to the Super 4 stage of the 12th Men’s Hockey Asia Cup by topping Pool A with three consecutive victories.
The highlight for India came in their final pool clash against Kazakhstan, where striker Abhishek struck four times, Sukhjeet Singh netted a hat-trick, and Dilpreet Singh added a goal, proving India’s frontline was hitting peak form at the right moment.
India will now look to maintain momentum in the Super 4 stage, where the top two teams will secure a place in the final. Chief Coach Craig Fulton stressed the need to remain vigilant: “In modern-day fast hockey, no team can be taken lightly. We will stick to our structure and leave no stone unturned in every game.”
India’s first Super 4 challenge will be against South Korea, who finished second in Pool B after losing 1-4 to defending champions Malaysia. Korea’s threats include drag-flicker Jihun Yang (3 goals) and striker Sihong Yu (2 goals).
Harmanpreet Singh said the team’s approach was simple: “Our aim is to capitalise on every opportunity in front of goal.” The captain’s confidence is buoyed by the solid midfield, where Hardik Singh, Raj Kumar Pal, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and veteran Manpreet Singh have combined effectively, while the forward line of Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Sukhjeet Singh has gained rhythm.
Goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak, however, has been warned against lapses after conceding soft goals against China.
Fulton welcomed the strikers finding form at the right time: “It’s a positive sign that Abhishek, Sukhjeet, and Dilpreet are all in rhythm before the Super 4. We got an extra day for recovery, and although playing three games on consecutive days will be demanding, we are prepared. We enjoy playing under lights, and this should help us against Korea.”
For Abhishek, who netted a hat-trick plus one more against Kazakhstan, the turnaround was personal: “In the first two matches I felt frustrated when chances went begging. It was never about technique, more about mental pressure. Now that I’ve found my touch, my focus in the Super 4 is to score as many goals as possible.”
With their strikers peaking, midfield gelling, and full squad fit, India enters the Super 4 stage with confidence but wary of complacency as they chase a fourth Asia Cup crown.
