XtraTime Web Desk: Exciting news for the hockey fans in the country as India began its campaign in the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup with a 2-0 win over reigning Asian Games champion Japan in Ipoh,Malaysia on Saturday.
After Varun Kumar successfully converted India’s first penalty corner opportunity in the 24th minute, Simranjeet Singh doubled the lead in the 56th minute to ensure a comfortable win in the opening match.
With a desperate Japan swapping the goalkeeper for a field player in search of an equaliser in the last minutes, Simranjeet utilised the chance to convert a reverse stick pass from Mandeep Singh inside the circle to seal the win and take three points from the first pool game.
India will play Korea in its next league game on Sunday. The top two teams from the round robin league stage will play in the final on March 30.