India beat Japan 5-0 to enter ACT final for fourth time
Chennai, Aug 11: A dominant India mauled reigning Asian champions Japan 5-0 to enter their fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament final at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Friday.
While three-time champions India adopted a high-press hockey from the onset, Japan played deep into their defence to thwart the home team's attacks.
India got the first scoring chance of the match in the form of a penalty corner but Japan goalkeeper Takashi Yoshikawa made a confident save to deny home team skipper Harmanpreet Singh.
The Indians set pace of the game and enjoyed bulk of the possession, while Japan played catch-up hockey.
After a barren first quarter, India finally took the lead in the 19th minute through Akashdeep Singh, who slapped the ball in from a rebound from after Hardik Singh's initial shot was saved by Japan second goalkeeper Takumi Kitagawa.
India kept up the tempo and earned their second penalty corner in the 23rd minute and India skipper Harmanpreet sounded the board with a fierce low flick to the left of Japanese goalie to double India's lead.
Just at the stroke of half-time, India trippled their lead through Mandeep Singh.
It was Manpreet Singh who was instrumental in getting the third goal as he intercepted the ball in the mid-field and then beat three Japanese defenders to set it up for Mandeep, who just had to direct the ball in.
The trend continued after the change of ends as India continued to press hard on the Japanese goal.
Sumit probably scored the goal of the tournament with a back stick flick into the net from a tight angle after being brilliantly set up by Manpreet hardwork from the right flank.
Young Karthi Selvam made it 5-0 in India's favour in the 51st minute after being fed by an unselfish Sukhjeet Singh, who received a perfect ariel ball from Harmanpreet.
India will take on Malaysia in the final on Saturday, while Japan will be up against defending champions South Korea in the third-fourth place play-off match.
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Class 10, 12 Gujarat board exams begin; 15.2 lakh students set to appear
Gandhinagar (PTI): The Class 10 and 12 board examinations for more than 15 lakh students, conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB), commenced across the state on Thursday, officials said.
At several centres, students appearing for the examination were welcomed in keeping with Indian cultural traditions. They were greeted with sweets, presented with roses, and given writing pads and pens.
"There are 1,701 examination centres across the state, where 15,27,724 students have begun their exams," an official release said.
To prevent any malpractice, special arrangements have been made by the administration. All examination centres are equipped with CCTV cameras, it added.
Officers from the District Coordination Committee have been appointed as observers. Adequate police personnel have also been deployed to maintain law and order, the release said.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel extended best wishes to students for achieving success in the exams.
"With the blessings of teachers and parents, along with hard work and self-confidence, we can overcome every stage of life with ease. The board examination is also an important milestone in life. It not only helps us move forward in our careers but also prepares us for the many tests life has to offer," he said in a post on X.
He appealed to the students to take their exams without stress, with complete confidence, and build a bright future by achieving success in every examination of life.
Gujarat Education Minister Dr Praduman Vaja visited Shri Swaminarayan Gurukul and encouraged students, extending wishes for their bright future.
He said the government has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure that students can take their exams in a free and fearless environment.
