Even though the Japanese hockey team lost their Asian Champions Trophy fixture against Malaysia 3-1 on Monday, it did not stop them from doing a practice that have earned them praises all around the world. The Japanese side despite the defeat did not forget keeping the dressing room in Chennai. Last year at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar as well, the Japan team as well as supporters from the Asian country had grabbed headlines for cleaning up after the matches themselves. The team had even left a note of gratitude for he organisers.
It is pertinent to note that Japan is rated among the cleanest countries in the world and have made cleanliness a cultural habit which is what is often reflected in sporting events. The same was the case at the Asian Champions Trophy as Hockey India shared a video of the Japanese team after their loss.
Check out the video here:
Talking about the match, it was Malaysia who emerged victorious 3 goals to 1. While Najmi Jazlan scored for Malayisa in the 13th minute with the help of a penalty corner, Ashran Hamlani netted a goal in the 37th minute. Shello Silverius scored again in the 59th as Malaysia secured a place for themselves in the semifinals. It is worth highlighting that the top four teams out of the six sides competing in the round-robin league stage were to proceed to the semis which Malaysia have managed to guarantee themselves, having nine points to their credit with three wins and a draw.
Niwa Takuma scored the only goal of the match for Japan, striking in the final quarter but it only managed to reduce the deficit of the defeat. Japan are set to play their last league match on Wednesday (August 9).