FIH Hockey World cup 2023 : India blank Japan by 8-0 in classification match

After a heartbreaking exit from the FIH Men’s Hockey World cup 2023, India had something to enjoy as they defeated Japan by 8-0. It was the hosts’ first classification match after their crossover loss against New Zealand last week.

In a 9-15 classification fixture Graham Reid’s men took all the frustration out and put past 8 goals against Japanese counterparts through 6 different scorers. The match took place at the Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela and the home fans must have had a night to remember.

HOCKEY WORLD CUP 2023: INDIA VS JAPAN

Fans in huge numbers continue to back the Indian Team at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Rourkela 😍😍#HockeyWorldCup2023 #BirsaMundaStadium #Rourkela #HockeyIndia #HockeyWorldCup️ pic.twitter.com/J1j00labvU

— nnis (@nnis_sports) January 26, 2023

Though it was a goal fest but the first 2 quarters were stuck in 0-0 deadlock. But Mandeep Singh opened the scoring right after the end of first half in the 32nd minute. Japan were displaying good ball control and were solid in the defense and looked like the better team initially.

However, India despite having less possession, created as well as finished goal scoring opportunities and broke Japan’s resilience. Mandeep Singh’s conversion of a Penalty corner taken by Shamsher Singh made it 1-0. Then Abhishek double the hosts’ lead through a rebound hit just 3 minutes later.

9-16 Classification match 🏑 🇮🇳 Wins 😍

Congratulations @TheHockeyIndia 🇮🇳 Superb win against Japan (Score: 8-0) 🇮🇳🙏

India's 4th Goal against Japan was 200th goal scored at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 🏑 pic.twitter.com/mndaawEgLB

— Anupam Kumar Pandey (@AnupamkPandey) January 26, 2023

Youngster Vivek Singh Prasad found the back of the net by a penalty corner as he struck the ball hard and on target. Abhishek followed it up and made it 4-0 in the 43rd minute. Then Harmanpreet Singh, Mandeep Singh and Sukhjeet Singh joined the party and scored 4 more. Harmanpreet scored a brace while Mandeep and Sukhjeet scored a goal each in this win.

India will now face South Africa on Saturday for the 9-12 classification match.