India crush Indonesia 13-1, start LA Olympics quest in style

Aichi-Nagoya, Sept 20 (UNI) India's quest for a direct ticket to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics got off to a flying start as the defending champions demolished Indonesia 13-1 in their Asian Games men's hockey Pool A opener here on Sunday.

With the Asian Games gold medallist earning a direct qualification berth for the Los Angeles Olympics, India wasted no time in underlining their intent, producing a devastating attacking display to launch their title defence in style. India dominated from the opening whistle, with Dilpreet Singh spearheading the rout with four goals, while Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh contributed two each.

Abhishek, Rajinder Singh, Mandeep Singh and captain Harmanpreet Singh were the other scorers. Shilanand opened India's account in the fifth minute before Abhishek doubled the lead in the 12th. Dilpreet then struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 18th and 19th minutes as India surged further ahead. Rajinder and Mandeep added to Indonesia's misery before Harmanpreet converted a penalty corner in the 28th minute to send India into the half-time break with a commanding 7-0 lead.

Indonesia finally found a breakthrough when Al Ardh Aulia scored in the 33rd minute, but India responded almost immediately. Shilanand scored his second in the 35th minute and Dilpreet completed his hat-trick two minutes later. Sukhjeet then joined the scoring in the 38th minute as India moved into the final quarter with a 10-1 advantage. There was no let-up from the defending champions as Sukhjeet struck twice in the 46th and 48th minutes before Dilpreet completed his four-goal performance in the 49th minute.

The 13-1 demolition gives India an imposing start to their campaign for a second successive Asian Games gold and, with it, a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India, who won the men's hockey gold at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, next face Sri Lanka in their Pool A campaign on Tuesday.

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