Harmanpreet Singh celebrates with team-mates after the win.
Credit: PTI Photo
Harmanpreet Singh led from the front by netting a hat-trick as India opened their Asian Cup hockey campaign with an edgy 4–3 win over China in a Pool A match at Rajbir Hockey Stadium in Bihar.
Besides Harmanpreet (20', 33', 47'), Jugraj Singh (18') was the other scorer for the hosts.
Du Shihao (12'), Chen Benhai (35') and Gao Jiesheng (42') reduced the deficit for the visitors.
World No.7 India looked lacklustre and were made to toil hard by 23rd-ranked China.
Trailing 0-1 after the first quarter, India scored two goal in as many minutes to head into the lemon break with a 2-1 lead.
The hosts then stretched the advantage when Harmanpreet connected well with his trademark drag flick and found the back of the net despite the Chinese keeper getting a hand to it.
But China bounced back with Benhai converting a penalty corner as both teams headed to the final quarter on level terms.
The Indian skipper was in action once again as he converted a third penalty corner to give India the lead once again.
Japan, China, and Kazakhstan are the other teams in India's group. India's next match is against Japan on August 31 and they round up their pool engagements with a tie against Kazakhstan on September 1.
The winner of the 12th Asia Cup, which will go on till September 7 gets direct entry into the FIH World Cup to be held next year.
(with Hockey India/agency inputs)