The defending champions edged past hosts Japan 2-0 in a tense Pool A clash at the Asian Games 2026, played out under steady drizzle at the Kawasaki Juko Hockey Stadium in Kakamigahara. Abhishek broke the deadlock in the 15th minute after Japan’s defence switched off at the top of the circle, and captain Harmanpreet Singh doubled the advantage with a thunderous penalty-corner flick in the 40th minute. With the win sealed, India have already booked their semi-final berth — one match early — before their final Pool A game against Bangladesh on September 28.

It wasn’t a walkover, though. Japan pushed hard on the counter and racked up multiple penalty corners, but goalkeeper Suraj Karkera and a disciplined Indian backline held firm all match. The day also carried a personal milestone — defender Sanjay played his 100th senior international appearance for India.

Hockey Match Snapshot: India vs Japan

Detail	Information
Result	India won 2-0
Goal Scorers	Abhishek (15′), Harmanpreet Singh (40′, PC)
Venue	Kawasaki Juko Hockey Stadium, Kakamigahara
Pool A Record	4 wins from 4 matches
Milestone	Sanjay’s 100th international cap
Next Match	vs Bangladesh, September 28

This win keeps alive India’s bid to defend the Asian Games hockey gold they won in the previous edition, and sets up a semi-final date without dropping a single point in the group stage.

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