Sultan Azlan Shah Cup: Insipid India edge out Japan in campaign opener

The Indian hockey team came from a goal down to win 2-1 against minnows Japan in their opening game of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament at Ipoh in Malaysia, on Wednesday, 6 April.

Japan took a shock lead early in the 17th minute through Kenji Kitazato. In response, India managed to create a flurry of chances, but struggled to get the final touch.

In the 24th minute, Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner to level up the proceedings. India continued to pile on the pressure on Japan, and eight minutes later, skipper Sardar Singh finished from a Jasjit Singh Kular pass to give India the lead.

The Asian Games champions struggled to break down a resolute Japanese defence for the remainder of the game, but managed to hold on for a rather uninspiring 2-1 win.

The Sardar Singh-led side will next face Australia on Thursday, 7 April.