Ipoh, Malaysia, 10 April 2016: India registered their second win at the Sultan Azlan Cup beating Canada 3-1 in their league game encounter today in Malaysia.
India started off strongly and registered their first goal in the the 3rd minute itself. A brilliant pass by Rupinder Pal Singh split the Canadian defence open to allow Ramandeep Singh Singh, marking his return, to allow Nikkin Thimmaiah a simple tap in for the opener. Chinglensana had another attempt – a superb reverse hit attempt-saved by the goalkeeper to ensure Canada went into the break just a goal down.
The Canadians responded strongly in the second quarter, coming back and matching India strength for strength. Even the statistics showed that
Canada’s best showing came in the second quarter as they managed a massive seven circle penetrations, and 50% of the possession. Appropriately, they scored the equaliser with six minutes of the quarter remaining via Keegan Pereira. The two teams walked into halftime level at 1-1.
Rudely awakened, India did not allow any such lapses in concentration in the second half as they came out looking to close the match strongly. Having not been awarded a single PC in the first half, India managed to win one ten minutes into the third quarter and duly converted it in style. India’s young dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, scored his second goal of the tournament to give India the lead.
India did not let up in the fourth quarter, controlling the possession and
had 7 circle penetrations in the final period. In contrast, Canada managed a solitary penetration in the entire period. Another PC by India was saved smartly by Canada.
The quarter saw a brilliant solo effort by Sardar Singh hit the post. Winning the ball in midfield, Sardar stormed down almost 50 yards before trying a reverse flick that hit the post and bounced back only to be cleared by the Canadian defence.
Not too long later though, India ensured the result did not change after a Sardar Singh cross, and a Chinglensana misshit, left Talwinder Singh with the clearest of chances inside the box to extend India’s lead to 3-1 and ensured they took home the points.
With the win India moved up to third place in the standings.
India next play Pakistan at 15:35 pm IST on 12th April, 2016.
LIVE Streaming Details: Star Sports 1/HD and Star Sports 3/HD
Online Stream: www.starsports.com
More News
view All
‘National Women’s Hockey League will give youngsters the opportunities to assess their abilities and navigate pressure scenarios,’ says former goalkeeper Yogita Bali
Former Indian Women’s Hockey Team goalkeeper, Yogita Bali, has expressed her resounding support for Hockey India’s holistic initiatives aimed at advancing the sport across all levels, with a special emphasis on the eagerly anticipated National Women’s Hockey League.
‘National Women's Hockey League provides a platform for our top women's hockey talent to showcase their skills and compete at the highest domestic level’, says Bhola Nath Singh
Hockey India Secretary General Shri Bhola Nath Singh on Thursday in a press conference held at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astroturf Hockey Stadium, in Ranchi spoke to reports about the importance of the much-awaited National Women’s Hockey League 2024-25. Phase 1 of the league will be held in Ranchi from 30th April to 9th May 2024, marking a historic moment for women's hockey in India. This first-of-its-kind domestic league promises to be a thrilling showcase of the nation's top female hockey talent.
