India finish fifth at Men's Asian Champions Trophy hockey

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 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 to 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.