India fight back against Malaysia to win Asian Champions Trophy

Seconds from the first quarter, India secured back-to-back penalty corners but wasted both the chances.

Keeping up their tempo in the second quarter, Malaysia earned consecutive penalty corners in the 18th minute, the second of which was converted by Razie Rahim as the ball went in after getting a deflection from rusher Amit Rohidas’ stick.

Malaysia secured a penalty corner for an unnecessary stick check by Jugraj in the 23rd minute but the effort went wide.

Another penalty corner was earned by Malaysia in the 28th minute and this time Muhamad Aminudin made no mistake to hand his side a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Malaysia got another penalty corner in the 43rd minute but India defended stoutly.

The Indians turned the match on its head in a span of a minute, pumping in two goals to level the scores 3-3.

While Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored from a penalty stroke in the 45th minute, seconds later Gurjant Singh found the back of the net in a field attempt to make it 3-3.

India secured a penalty corner six minutes from the final hooter but Harmanpreet’s flick was saved by the goalkeeper.

India earned another penalty corner soon but Harmanpreet’s effort went wide.

Akashdeep Singh scored the winner for India with a slap stick from top of the ‘D’ after receiving a pass from Mandeep Singh.

JAPAN TAKE THIRD SPOT

Earlier on Saturday, Japan defeated defending champions South Korea 5-3 in the third-place playoff.

Goals from Ryoma Ooka (third minute), Ryosei Kato (ninth), Kentaro Fukuda (28th), Shota Yamada (53rd) and Ken Nagayoshi (58th) allowed the Japanese to finish on a high.

Jonghyun Jang (15th and 33rd) and Cheoleon Park (26th) were the goal-scorers for Korea.

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2023