Harmanpreet & Co. Hope To 'Improve In The Next Match' Despite Securing Super 4s Spot

Last Updated:August 31, 2025, 23:44 IST

India beat Japan 3-2 in the Hero Men's Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, with Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh scoring. India enters Super 4s as Krishan B Pathak marks his 150th game.

Indian men's hockey team at the Hockey Asia Cup 2025 (HI)

Following their win over Japan in the ongoing men’s Hockey Asia Cup in Rajgir, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh and players expressed satisfaction with their team’s performance but highlighted the need to improve defence, as they conceded a goal in the final minute.

Team India continued their winning streak in the Men’s Asia Cup 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar, with a 3-2 victory against Japan in their second Pool A match at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium on Sunday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (5′, 46′) and Mandeep Singh (4′) scored for India, while Kosei Kawabe (38′, 59′) scored both goals for Japan. With this win, India secured a spot in the Super 4s stage. The match also marked a significant milestone for Indian goalkeeper Krishan B Pathak, who celebrated his 150th international game.

What Harmanpreet Singh Said?

Reflecting on his impressive performances, including a hat-trick against China in the opener and two goals in this match, Harmanpreet said all his goals are “team goals." He added, “I think what we are achieving as a team is a good thing, that we are winning the match. But, it was a close match. But, I think we are happy that we have stepped up in this match from the previous match. So, I am very happy."

The captain emphasised the need to be “sharp on the ground" and maintain a “strong defence." He said, “Definitely, we could have stopped the last-minute goal as a team. We could have played good defence. But, it is a learning. So, I hope we improve in the next match. We will think about it later (having made it to the Super 4s). It is a back-to-back match (next being against Kazakhstan on September 1). Recovery time is very important. And, we have done good things today. So, we have to continue it. But, we have to focus on the learning side as well."

Mandeep, who opened the scoring for the team with an outstanding field goal, said that whether it was done on the field or via a penalty, it is still a “team goal," and the team needs to work on making their chances count. He added, “Because Japan has saved a lot of short-run goals, but still, we should have scored more field goals."

Speaking on the presence of the home crowd, Mandeep expressed his gratitude, saying, “I would like to thank all the supporters who have come. It was a lot of fun to play."

Goalkeeper Suraj was also pleased with securing the three points and vowed to improve in the next games. On conceding a goal in the final minute, he said hockey is a “dynamic sport." He added, “There are a lot of ups and downs. It is not like the opponent team will not be able to score. We will analyse the situation and prepare accordingly. The crowd is great. We are getting a lot of support. They give us a lot of support every time we play".

(With inputs from ANI)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin...

Read More

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Location :

Rajgir, India, India

First Published:

August 31, 2025, 23:44 IST

News sports Harmanpreet & Co. Hope To 'Improve In The Next Match' Despite Securing Super 4s Spot

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