Indian men’s hockey team defeats Uzbekistan 16-0 in their first game at the 2023 Asian Games

In their first encounter in Pool A of the Asian Games 2023, the Indian men’s hockey team thrashed Uzbekistan 16-0 on Sunday at the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Stadium in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China.

In the Pool A match, Lalit Upadhyay, Varun Kumar, and Mandeep Singh each scored a hat-trick.

The global No. 3 Indian team won the match against the No. 66-ranked Uzbeks by dominating it from beginning to end. Varun Kumar also scored four goals (12th, 36th, 50th, 52nd), while Lalit Upadhyay scored four (7th, 24th, 37th, and 53rd). Three goals were scored by Mandeep Singh (18th, 27th, and 28th minutes). The goal fest included contributions from Abhishek (17th), Amit Rohidas (38th), Sukhjeet (42nd), Shamsher Singh (43rd), and Sanjay (57th).

Harmanpreet Singh, the captain of India, took part in the opening ceremony as a co flag-bearer but was rested for the game. The attacking line for India worked very well with the midfield, which led to 10 field goals.

Lalit Upadhyay converted a penalty corner in the first minutes of the game to give India a 1-0 lead. Varun Kumar quickly increased India’s advantage with another successful penalty corner. India had a 2-0 advantage when the first period came to an end.

India continued to dominate in the second quarter, scoring two field goals quickly thanks to Abhishek and Mandeep Singh. India now has five goals after Lalit Upadhyay scored twice.

After that, Mandeep Singh displayed his talent by netting two goals in the span of two minutes to complete an incredible hat trick and give India a dominant 7-0 lead at the break.

India continued to play with tenacity after the break, adding nine more goals to their total to complete a convincing 16-0 victory.

India won 14 penalty corners in all, however they only scored five goals.

Singapore and India will square off in the next pool game.