India enter knockout stage of Asia Cup with 16-0 win over Indonesia; World Cup door shut on Pakistan.
Indian men's hockey team registered a crushing 16-0 victory over Indonesia in the Asia Cup 2022 on Thursday in Jakarta, taking the holders into the knockout stage. To qualify, India needed to win the Pool A contest by at least a 15-0 margin, and the young players rose to the occasion.
Both India and Pakistan finished on four points each in Pool A behind Japan, but the defending champions qualified for the Super 4s due to better goal difference (1). Pakistan had lost 2-3 to Japan earlier in the day.
A resounding victory over Indonesia in the Hero Asia Cup 2022! 🔥
Here are some snaps to relive the victory. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/P7R8qwqvi2
India's win not only pushed Pakistan out of Asia Cup but also dashed their hopes of World Cup qualification since only the top three teams from Asia Cup 2022 would earn a ticket for the showpiece event.
Following our resounding victory over Indonesia, we leaped to 2️⃣nd place and got qualified for the Hero Asia Cup 2022 Super 4s! pic.twitter.com/CJqwvzqVVP
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia)India, being the hosts, will play the World Cup later in the year, and hence Hockey India decided to send young players to this tournament for exposure.
Also read: 'Still President of IOA': Narinder Batra slams media reports claiming he resigned
Dipsan Tirkey (5 goals) and Sudev Belimagga (3 goals) shared eight goals between them, playing a pivotal role in the team's crucial win. Veteran SV Sunil, Pawan Rajbhar and Karthi Selvam scored a brace each, while Uttam Singh and Nilam Sanjeep Xess were the other goal-getters for India.
Indian hockey fans took to Twitter to applaud the youngsters following this win and lauded Man of the Match Pawan Rajbhar's ferocious performance. Here's a look at some of the reactions:
Pawan Rajbhar's ferocious performance ensures India's victory against Indonesia at the Hero Asia Cup 2022 in Jakarta! 🔥
Well deserved Man Of The Match! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/7Su0F9fveB
Pawan Rajbhar is found of the tournament for India. Quick thinking, he takes players head on. His physique helps him too
— Give Me Hockey (@hockeyind)Even before today's game, Pawan Rajbhar was the best player for India at the
— Amit Kamath (@jestalt)By far, the best goal of today's match, courtesy Pawan Rajbhar 💪 and Karthi Selvam!
Can't wait for the Super 4 stage!
pic.twitter.com/fDcd4nkoBh
Hero Man of the Match
India vs Indonesia
#52 India Rajbhar Pawan pic.twitter.com/IYmJM5LvwX
Dribble, dribble, dribble, goal!
What a move by to earn India 🇮🇳 their seventh goal. Breezed past three 🇮🇩 defenders to set up the goal.
Should be called Pawan Raj-blur.
He will go places! Hope he ends his career with an Olympic Medal. https://t.co/uqhCT0NVeV
— FCPUI 🇮🇳 (@Rnb129)(With inputs from PTI)