Asian Champions Trophy: India beats fighting Japan 3-2, to face Pakistan in the final

It turned out to be a tall task for the world no. 5 despite having pummelled the same opponent by a convincing 9-0 margin in the league stages.

India booked its place in the final of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament, where it will lock horns with Pakistan. (File Picture)

Defending champion India eked out a close 3-2 win over Asian Games gold medalist Japan to enter the final of the Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) hockey tournament, here on Saturday.

It turned out to be a tall task for the world no. 5 despite having pummelled the same opponent by a convincing 9-0 margin in the league stages.

Young striker Gurjant Singh gave India the lead in the 19th minute with a fine reverse hit field goal before Japan equalised through Wakuri three minutes later from a penalty corner.

After the change of ends, India restored its lead when Chinglensana Singh converted off a penalty corner in the 44th minute.

Five minutes from the hooter, Dilpreet Singh made it 3-1 with a superb field strike. But India’s joy was shortlived as Japan reduced the margin a minute later; Zendana scoring from a penalty corner.

India, however, defended well to thwart Japan’s surge in the final few minutes to book its place in the final, against Pakistan.

Earlier in the day, two-time champion Pakistan defeated Malaysia 3-1 in the shootout after a 4-4 draw in regulation period of the first semifinal.