Jalandhar, October 31 (TNA) The Indian hockey team booked its place in the Asian Champions Trophy semi-finals after beating Japan 4-1 in Jalandhar. It was India’s third successive victory at the tournament, following wins over Bangladesh and China.
Abhishek Nain, playing his 150th international match, scored twice, while captain Harmanpreet Singh and Vishnu Kant Singh were also on target for the five-time champions. Shota Yamada scored Japan’s only goal from a penalty stroke.
The defending champions will next face Malaysia on Sunday. India remain at the top of the standings with nine points and a goal difference of 19. Malaysia also have nine points after beating Bangladesh but are second with a goal difference of 8. India are chasing a record-extending sixth Asian Champions Trophy title.