In their inaugural match at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Indian men’s hockey team displayed its supremacy by overwhelming Uzbekistan with a commanding 16-0 victory at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium.

Eight Indian players made significant contributions to the resounding win, with Lalit Upadhyay and Varun Kumar each notching four goals, while Manish completed a hat-trick. This comprehensive triumph propelled the three-time Asian Games champions to the summit of the Pool A standings, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals.

Despite the absence of their captain, Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian hockey team adopted an assertive and relentless approach right from the outset. They immediately put Uzbekistan on the back foot, breaking the deadlock just seven minutes into the match when Lalit scored from a penalty corner. Varun added another goal from a penalty corner shortly thereafter.

At the conclusion of the first quarter, India held a 2-0 lead, and they continued to assert their dominance in the second quarter. Abhishek and Mandeep Singh quickly found the net with field goals, while Lalit and Mandeep extended India’s lead to a commanding 7-0 at halftime.

India maintained their unrelenting pace in the second half, persistently applying pressure and adding nine more goals to secure the resounding 16-0 victory. In their next match, the Indian men’s hockey team will face Singapore with their sights set on winning the Asian Games tournament and earning a berth for the Paris Olympics.

The Indian men’s hockey team’s emphatic start at the Asian Games is a testament to their relentless spirit and skill. Their confident performance, despite the absence of captain Harmanpreet Singh, underscores their determination to secure a berth for the Paris Olympics. With a rich history of success in the Asian Games, the team aims to add another chapter of glory to their storied legacy.

Lalit Upadhyay and Varun Kumar’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess, with each netting four times, showcased their clinical finishing abilities. Manish’s hat-trick added to the spectacle, highlighting the depth of talent in the Indian squad. This dominating win not only places India atop the Pool A standings but also sends a strong message to their competitors that they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.