Asian Hockey Championship: India to face Pakistan

Defending champions and Olympic bronze medallist India suffered a stunning 3-5 defeat against Japan in the second semifinal of the Asian Champions Trophy men's hockey tournament in Dhaka on Tuesday.The Japanese looked a completely different side on Tuesday as they toyed with the defence of the Manpreet Singh-led side from the beginning.In the other semifinal of the day, South Korea beat Pakistan 6-5 in a thrilling contest.
This means India and Pakistan will now play to fight for the 3rd place in Asian Champions Trophy
The tournament ended in an anti-climax for India as after having topped the round robin stages with an unbeaten record.India's goals against Japan were scored by Hardik Singh (17th, 58th minute) and vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh (43rd). While Japan scored through Shota Yamada (1st minute, penalty), Raiki Fujishima (2nd minute), Yoshiki Kirishita (14th), Kosei Kawabe (35th) and Ryoma Ooka (41st).
In fact, India and Japan had met 18 times before with the hosts winning 16 games, while Japan emerged victorious on one occasion and one ended in a draw. Japan will now take on South Korea in the summit clash, while India-Pakistan fight for the bronze medal.