Sports Desk: Defending champions India will face hosts Japan in a crucial Pool A encounter at the Asian Games 2026 on Saturday, with both teams unbeaten after three matches and the top spot in the group at stake. India have made a strong start to their title defence, recording convincing victories over Indonesia, Sri Lanka and South Korea. They began with a 13-1 win over Indonesia before defeating Sri Lanka 16-1 and South Korea 8-2. The results have put India at the top of Pool A on goal difference, with nine points from three games.
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Japan have also collected nine points from their opening three matches, setting up a significant contest between the two unbeaten sides. A victory would secure the Pool A top spot for India, while the team will also have Bangladesh to face in its final pool match on September 28. India’s attack has been led by forward Dilpreet Singh, who has scored nine goals and currently tops the tournament’s scoring charts. Abhishek has contributed six field goals, while Jugraj Singh has scored five, including three penalty-corner goals and two from strokes. Sukhjeet Singh has four goals to his name.
Captain Harmanpreet Singh remains a key figure, particularly from penalty corners. However, India will look to improve their conversion rate after missing several set-piece opportunities in the opening matches. Chief coach Craig Fulton has said the team has made progress following its eighth-place finish at the 2026 FIH World Cup, while stressing the need to maintain intensity and continue improving. The Japan clash is expected to provide India’s toughest Pool A test so far as the defending champions look to strengthen their position ahead of the knockout stages.
