Men's Hockey Team Clinches Semifinal Spot with a Commanding 12-0 Win Over Bangladesh

OCTOBER 02, 2023

“India’s Hockey Team Dominates with 12-0 Win”

In an extraordinary display of skill and determination, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team secured their berth in the Semifinals of the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou 2022, with a resounding 12-0 victory over Bangladesh.

This emphatic win, highlighted by stunning hat-tricks from both Harmanpreet Singh (2′, 4′, 32′) and Mandeep Singh (18′, 24′, 46′), established India as the unrivaled leaders of the Pool stage. Abhishek (41′, 57′), Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (23′), Amit Rohidas (28′), Nilakanta Sharma (47′), and Gurjant Singh (56′) also played pivotal roles in this memorable triumph.

The game ignited with a swift attack led by Jarmanpreet Singh, setting the tone for what would be an exhilarating match. Indian Captain Harmanpreet Singh wasted no time, converting the first penalty corner to grant India an early 1-0 lead.

Undeterred, he followed up with another precision strike from a set-piece, widening the gap to 2-0. Despite this initial lead, India relentlessly pressed forward, granting Bangladesh no room to make inroads into their circle, concluding the first quarter with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

As the second quarter commenced, Bangladesh mustered a few attempts within India’s half, yet were promptly thwarted by the vigilant Sanjay. Mandeep Singh then combined with Abhishek to further extend India’s lead, securing the third goal.

Lalit Kumar Upadhyay showcased exquisite skill, perfectly deflecting a pass from Abhishek into the net, marking the fourth goal. In short succession, Mandeep Singh capitalized on a rebound from a penalty corner, achieving his second goal and elevating the score to 5-0. Amit Rohidas demonstrated his prowess with a flawless dragflick, converting a late penalty corner, and India entered halftime with a commanding 6-0 lead.

The second half saw India maintain unwavering control, as Harmanpreet Singh completed his hat-trick from yet another penalty corner. Amit Rohidas and Nilakanta Sharma exhibited impeccable defensive prowess as Bangladesh sought opportunities of their own. Abhishek extended the lead to 8-0 with a powerful reverse hit from a well-placed long pass.

Entering the final quarter, Mandeep Singh struck again after receiving an aerial pass from Abhishek, further cementing India’s lead at 9-0. Nilakanta Sharma unleashed a thunderous shot, pushing India’s advantage into double digits.

Seizing an opening on the left flank, Sumit made a decisive circle penetration, deftly passing the ball to Gurjant Singh, who netted it, bringing the score to 11-0. In the closing moments, Abhishek capitalized on a pass from Gurjant Singh, solidifying India’s resounding 12-0 victory.

With this monumental win, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team advances to the Semifinals on Wednesday, October 4th, 2023, setting their sights on greater glory in the Asian Games.