Pakistan, Japan tie ends goalless

 DHAKA - Defending champions Pakistan and Japan played 
out to a tame goalless draw in their opening match of Hero Men's Asian 
Champions Trophy hockey held today (Tuesday) evening at Moulana Basani 
National Hockey Stadium.

   In the proceeding, both the teams got several scoring chances but failed 
to break the deadlock as both the teams failed to convert any of those into a 
goal.

   Japan will play their second match against Korea tomorrow (Wednesday) 
while Pakistan will play their next match against arch-rival India on 
December 17 

   Earlier, in the day's first match, Korea, came from behind, forced 
defending champions India to play a 2-2 goal draw in the inaugural match of 
tournament.

   In the day's match, forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and defender Harmanpreet 
Singh scored one goal each for India while Jonghyun Jang and Sunghyun Kim 
netted for Korea.

   Olympic bronze medalist Indian men's hockey team started brightly and too 
the early lead in the 4th minute through Lalit Kumar Upadhyay before vice-
captain Harmanpreet Singh double their lead converting a penalty corner in 
the 33rd minute.

   Trailing 0-2, Korea made a brilliant fought back in the match after the 
change of ends in the third quarter when Jonghyun Jang reduced the margin 
scoring the first goal in the 41st minute.

   Kim Sungh yun stunned the defending champions to restore the parity in the 
46th minute of the match.

   India have won this prestigious event thrice since its inception in 2011 
and have won the previous two editions held in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia and 
2018 in Muscat, Oman. 

   The Men in Blue now face hosts Bangladesh tomorrow (Wednesday) at the same 
venue.

   India will play their arch-rivals against Pakistan on December 17 and  before facing Asian Games Champions Japan on December 19. BSS