Abhishek Shines in His 150th International Match
Jalandhar: Major Times
The Indian men’s hockey team registered an impressive 4-1 victory over Japan in an exciting encounter at the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium in Jalandhar under the Hero Asian Champions Trophy Punjab 2026. With this victory, India secured its third consecutive win in the tournament and reclaimed the top position in the points table.
The match witnessed an intense contest between the two sides, with both teams displaying attacking hockey. Indian star forward Abhishek, playing his 150th international match, opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a brilliant field goal to give India a 1-0 lead.
However, Japan responded in the 15th minute when Sota Ramdas converted a penalty stroke to level the score at 1-1. Both teams maintained the deadlock until the end of the first half.
The contest remained closely fought during the first three quarters, with neither side allowing the other much room to dominate. However, India raised its game in the final quarter and turned the match decisively in its favour.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick in the 47th minute to put India ahead 2-1. Abhishek then struck again in the 51st minute, scoring his second goal of the match and extending India’s lead to 3-1.
Vishnukant Singh sealed the victory in the 56th minute with a brilliant solo effort, outmanoeuvring Japanese defenders to score India’s fourth goal.
India eventually registered a convincing 4-1 victory, handing Japan its first defeat of the tournament. Abhishek was adjudged Player of the Match for his outstanding performance, which included two goals in his landmark 150th international appearance.
Stadium Packed to Capacity as Hockey Fans Turn Out in Large Numbers
The match witnessed an overwhelming response from hockey lovers, with the Olympian Surjit Singh Hockey Stadium packed to capacity. Such was the enthusiasm among spectators that there was hardly any space left to sit. Many fans watched the thrilling encounter while standing, while some had to return without entering the stadium due to the massive crowd.
The electrifying atmosphere and enthusiastic support from the home crowd added to the excitement of India’s memorable victory.
