Defending champions Pakistan and Japan played out to a tame goalless draw in their opening match of Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy hockey held today (Tuesday) evening at Moulana Basani National Hockey Stadium.

In the proceeding, both the teams got several scoring chances but failed to break the deadlock as both the teams failed to convert any of those into a goal.

Japan will play their second match against Korea tomorrow (Wednesday)  while Pakistan will play their next match against arch-rival India on December 17

Earlier, in the day’s first match, Korea, came from behind, forced defending champions India to play a 2-2 goal draw in the inaugural match of tournament.

In the day’s match, forward Lalit Kumar Upadhyay and defender Harmanpreet Singh scored one goal each for India while Jonghyun Jang and Sunghyun Kim netted for Korea.

Olympic bronze medalist Indian men’s hockey team started brightly and too the early lead in the 4th minute through Lalit Kumar Upadhyay before vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh double their lead converting a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.

Trailing 0-2, Korea made a brilliant fought back in the match after the change of ends in the third quarter when Jonghyun Jang reduced the margin scoring the first goal in the 41st minute.

Kim Sungh yun stunned the defending champions to restore the parity in the 46th minute of the match.

India have won this prestigious event thrice since its inception in 2011 and have won the previous two editions held in 2016 in Kuantan, Malaysia and 2018 in Muscat, Oman.

The Men in Blue now face hosts Bangladesh tomorrow (Wednesday) at the same venue.

India will play their arch-rivals against Pakistan on December 17 and before facing Asian Games Champions Japan on December 19.