In a resounding display of dominance, the Indian men's hockey team exhibited their prowess and stormed into the semi-finals of the Asian Games, defeating Bangladesh with an emphatic scoreline of 12-0 in their final Pool A match in Hangzhou, reports NDTV.
Led by the formidable Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian side showcased a remarkable performance, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament and bolstering their confidence as they progressed to the semi-final stage.
The onslaught began early in the match as Harmanpreet Singh swiftly converted a penalty corner within the first couple of minutes of the first quarter, setting the tone for what would become an extraordinary display of offensive prowess.
As the match progressed, India's lead continued to grow rapidly, with Amit Rohidas netting the eighth goal for India in the third quarter, solidifying their domination over Bangladesh. Mandeep Sinch and Nilakanta Sharma further extended the lead with goals in the fourth quarter, touching a remarkable double-digit mark in favor of India.
Abhishek made a significant contribution with a hat-trick, scoring the third goal in the second quarter and another in the third quarter, while also sealing the eighth goal for India. Lalit Upadhyay and Mandeep Singh also made their mark on the scoreboard, each scoring a goal during the match.
The first half saw India maintaining a substantial lead, with Amit Rohidas' goal in the second quarter ensuring a 6-0 advantage for the Indian side at halftime. The momentum carried through the second half as India continued to dominate, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork.
With this impressive victory, India's men's hockey team showcased their mettle and signalled their intent to clinch the gold in the Asian Games. Their remarkable performance in the pool matches has set the stage for an exciting journey in the tournament, and fans eagerly await their semi-final clash, expecting another stellar performance from this formidable squad.