India scored the first goal in the second quarter in 25’ of the game by Manpreet Singh. In the beginning of the third quarter, Harmanpreet Singh led India towards the second goal. Amit Rohidas hit the third goal for the team, followed by Abhishek’s fourth goal in the 52’.
India wins Hockey5s Asia Cup after beating Pakistan by 2-0 in Shootouts

Harmanpreet Singh leads India towards the final goal 

Japan scored their first goal in 54’ but Harmanpreet Singh led the Indian hockey team towards the final goal and finished the game by leading the team towards the gold medal. Indian hockey team previously won a silver medal in the Commonwealth Games 2022 and a bronze medal in Tokyo Olympics 2020. 

“I think the most important thing I have learnt from my life is not to dwell too much – either on happiness or sadness. The most important thing is how quickly you are coming back, how quick can you switch back the focus. We are the No. 1 team in Asia and that is how we should play”, said Harmanpreet Singh. 

With four titles, the Indian hockey team has now become the most successful team in the history of the tournament. While the Pakistan hockey team takes the second spot with 3 title wins.

Exclusive: India beats archrivals Pakistan in Asian Champions Trophy 2023

Harmanpreet Singh was all in praise for the squad during a press conference after the final match. While highlighting how not being overconfident is the motto for the team, he said, that the team decided that no matter how many goals we have to score or we have already scored we have to be mentally strong and not change our attitude. 

“We had decided that, whether we are leading or we’re behind by 100 goals, our game shouldn’t change and we have to be mentally strong,” said Harmanpreet Singh 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the Indian hockey team 

“Congratulations to our Men’s Hockey Team on the spectacular victory in the Asian Championship! This is India’s 4th triumph and it showcases the tireless dedication, rigorous training and unyielding determination of our players. Their extraordinary performance has ignited immense pride across the nation. Best wishes to our players for their future endeavours” Tweeted India’s honorary Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

The Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to lead the team towards the big tree while the other two goals were scored from penalty corners. 

After the final match of the pool stage, both the teams had contrasting opinions. While the Indian hockey team were elated, the Pakistan hockey team coach claimed that the umpiring decisions were biased and the umpires missed giving Pakistan a deserving goal.

Craig Fulton on the Indian hockey team’s victory

“That’s what we have video referrals for — it [the first Pakistan goal that was disallowed] came off the body but some goals umpires cannot disallow. They played well, we defended well and we got the goals that counted at the right time. We had a game plan and we were structured. The objective was to score early and we did it and then it was really difficult for them — the more they pushed up, the more we dictated the game… it was a fair result,” said Craig Fulton. 

Asked about Saqlain claiming that India did not have a structure and played only on penalty corners and fitness, captain Harmanpreet Singh was poker-faced. “If we are winning without having any structure, then it’s a good lesson from them, we will keep it in mind and improve our structure even more and perform better,” he added.

About his own role, he was more modest. “It’s my responsibility [to convert PCs] and you have the right to ask questions. It’s not just about me, everyone’s efforts are involved — the forwards create chances, then there is the pusher and the stopper and then the flicker comes into the picture. And our team effort was good. You want to keep doing your best, whether it comes off or not. During matches also mistakes happen but you need to forget them and move forward,” he concluded.