Ipoh: Asian Games champions India came from a goal down to clinch an unimpressive 2-1 victory over hard-working Japan, on the opening day of the 25th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup hockey tournament, here on Wednesday.

Squandering a series of chances, India managed to earn full points against Japan, through goals from young drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh (24th minute) and captain Sardar Singh (32nd) after Kenji Kitazato (17th) gave Japan the lead.

Earlier, Pakistan banked on two goals from Muhammed Arslan Qadir to open their campaign with a 3-1 win.