Ipoh, Mar 23 (UNI ) Starting the campaign on a high note, Indian Hockey Team on Saturday emerged victorious in the opening match of the 28th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2019, restricting Asian Games gold medallist Japan to a 2-0 scoreline in Malaysia.
For India, Varun Kumar scored the first goal in the 24th minute with a brilliant penalty corner.
In the 56th minute, India's Simranjeet Singh doubled the lead and ensured a comfortable win and also secured full three points in the opening match.
Throughout the whole game, Japan struggled to find a goal scoring opportunity as India didn't allow them to even come close to their circle.
The Indian team is playing the tournament without many seniors who are out due to injuries.
India's Varun Kumar was adjudged as the Man of the Match for seeing India through with a crucial goal.
India will now take on South Korea on Sunday. The top two teams from the round robin league stage will play in the final on March 30.
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