India finish fifth at Men`s Asian Champions hockey tourney

New Delhi: Akashdeep Singh scored three goals as India thrashed Oman 6-1 to finish fifth in the third Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament at Kakamigahara, Japan on Sunday.

In a fifth-sixth place match, India dominated from the word go, scoring three goals in each half. Kothajit Singh converted a penalty corner in the sixth minute of the match to give India an early advantage. Five minutes later, Gurjinder Singh doubled the team`s lead by converting another penalty corner. In the 24th minute, Akashdeep Singh gently tapped in Mandeep`s pass from a difficult angle to place India in a comfortable position at half time. Akashdeep then made it 4-0, scoring from close range after pouncing on a loose ball in the 40th minute. Oman, however, pulled one back in the 58th minute from a penalty corner through Mohammad Hoobais Al Shar, whose low drag-flick beat Indian goalkeeper Harjot Singh. In the 66th minute, Malak Singh scored with a fierce hit from top of the circle before Akashdeep scored his third goal of the day just two minutes minutes from the hooter to hand India comprehensive victory.