Muscat: The Indian defending champion was stunned 0-2 by ruling the Asian Games of Japanese gold medals in their second pool of the Asian Cup hockey tournament match here on Sunday.
Japan scored through Naga Yuri (2nd minute) and Saki Tanaka (42nd minute) to make Indians.
Starting slow than Indians are very expensive because Japan leads against the game in the second minute through Nagai Yuri.
Yuri took full advantage of the sleepy Indian defense to slap the house from the top of the circle after holding a loose ball.
Indians wake up after conceding unexpected goals and controlling the first quarter process from there.
They attacked in the number and in the process, securing two corners of the penalty in the first 15 minutes but wasted well.
Japan stores a strict defensive structure as an Indian, despite creating many opportunities, failing to find a clean back.
Japan got their first penalty angle in the second quarter but Indian people defended well.
Japan finally went to a break half time to lead 1-0.
Indians continue to dominate the process after changes in goal but fail to create real scores.
Japan surprised India in the 42nd minute when Tanalaha doubled the advantage.
Managed by two goals, Indians came out attacking and in the process securing two points of a quick penalty but wasted well because Japan received a second consecutive victory in their tournament.
Japan is now by the pool A with two wins out of many games, while India is placed second after registering a 9-0 victory over Malaysia in their opening.
Japan previously defeated Singapore in their opening match.
India will play next Singapore in their last pool match on Monday.
The top two teams from both pools will be eligible for the semifinal tournament, which will convince the World Cup for those who make it.