India start on a winning note but…

Despite striving hard, Hong Kong could not match the Indians’ stick-work and conceeded another goal in the 10th minute as Daljit Singh gave India a 2-0 lead. The Asian powerhouse then messed up with a golden opportunity soon after when Kamalpreet Singh failed to score off a penalty stroke.

Hong Kong tried to make a spirited comeback and forced five penalty corners Crossing over, young Jugraj Singh scored India’s third goal in the 39th minute. The Indian forwards continued to rip apart the weak Hong Kong defence and five minutes later Gagan Ajit Singh scored his second to make it 4-1.

Jugraj then completed India’s tally scoring his second and India’s fifth goal in the 47th minute.

Dilip Tirkey’s team then changed tactics and in the rest of the match played for time toying with their opponents.

Playing on the new poly grass turf, the Indian forwards lacked finish as they wasted many chances. Despite the impressive victory margin, the strikers should show marked improvement when they take on strong South Korea on Wednesday. Indian coach Rajinder Singh made full use of the rolling substitution and gave a chance to all 16 players to get a feel of the turf including Kamalpreet Singh, who had recovered from a minor back injury.

Rajinder Singh said he wanted to experiment all players and this was possible only against Hong Kong.

In the second half, the Indian coach brought in Bharat Chetri to replce an off-colour Devesh Chauhan and also tried different combinations ahead of the tougher battles ahead.

But after a few initial hiccups, the Indians again got into the goal scoring mode converting their second penalty corner four minutes into the second half. Tirkey’s firm shot hit Ali Akbar on the chest and the resultant penalty stroke was converted by Jugraj Singh.

Ignatius Tirkey darted in into the circle and his cross towards the goal was deflected in by Gagan Ajit Singh as India took a 4-1 lead before the rout was completed by Jugraj. (PTI)