Hockey World Cup 2023: India crushes Japan 8-0 in the classification match at Birsa Munda Stadium in Rourkela

India were knocked out of the medal race after losing their crossover game to New Zealand 5-4 in the shootout.

Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Singh, Sukhjit Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad scored one goal each, while Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek both scored two goals each. There was none for the Japanese. India will now face South Africa in the battle for the ninth or tenth spot on 28 January 2023.

Japan showed determination at times and goalkeeper Takashi put in a commendable performance. However, the Japanese defense was unable to cope with the Indian power play. India’s Abhishek was adjudged man of the match for his two goals.

Hockey was played on the streets and stadiums of India for capacity crowds until the 1980s, but has lost the magic it used to have over Indians.

Poor management and lack of facilities, especially astroturf fields, are two of the many factors contributing to the decline of Indian hockey.

(with inputs from agencies)