India opened the Asian Games men’s hockey competition with a decisive 13-1 victory over Indonesia in Pool A, showcasing a dominant all‑round performance. Defending champions led by striker Dilpreet Singh, who scored four field goals, dispatched the unfancied Indonesians on Sunday in Kakamigahara.
Dilpreet’s four strikes came in the 18th, 19th, 37th and 49th minutes, all from the field. Indian teammates Shilanand Lakra and Sukhjeet Singh each added a brace, scoring in the 6th and 35th minutes for Lakra and the 38th and 48th minutes for Sukhjeet. Additional goals were netted by Abhishek (12th), Rajinder Singh (19th), Mandeep Singh (21st), skipper Harmanpreet Singh (28th) and Jugraj Singh (47th). Indonesia’s lone goal, a penalty corner conversion by Aulia Al Ardh, came in the 33rd minute.
India’s dominance was evident from the first minute, with Lakra’s rebound goal following a saved drag‑flick by skipper Harmanpreet. The early lead expanded when Abhishek doubled the score from a rebound, and Dilpreet added a third goal after an assist from Abhishek. A penalty stroke in the 27th minute was saved, but a penalty corner a minute later gave India a 7‑0 advantage at halftime. The second half saw continued pressure, with Dilpreet completing a hat‑trick and Sukhjeet adding another field goal before Jugraj’s penalty corner and Dilpreet’s final strike sealed the win.
Dilpreet credited the team effort and emphasized a focus on basics, penalty corner execution and securing a direct berth to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. India will face Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
