Hockey News: Indian Men’s Hockey Team beat Japan 6-3

After a tough 1-2 loss against New Zealand in their second match of the Olympic Test Event, the Indian Men's Hockey team booked their place in the Final after defeating Japan 6-3 in their third match of the tournament held at the Oi Hockey Stadium. Mandeep Singh, Nilakanta Sharma, Nilam Sanjeep Xess and Gurjant Singh scored for India, while Kentaro Fukuda, Kenta Tanaka and Kazuma Murata scored the goals for Japan. Nilakanta Sharma got India off to an excellent start through a field goal in the third minute. The Indian team put tremendous pressure on the Japan defense as Gurjant Singh took a shot on goal, but saw his shot going wide of the post. However, a Penalty Corner was awarded to India in the 7th minute which was converted brilliantly by Nilam Sanjeep Xess to help the team take a 2-0 lead. India continued to take the aggressive approach and a few minutes later, Mandeep Singh found the back of the net with an excellent field goal in the 9th minute. Japan tried to make inroads in the last few minutes of the first quarter as they won a Penalty Corner. Gurinder Singh positioned himself brilliantly and defended the shot on the goal line. India led 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.