Under-21 over the moon

India were the deserving winners on a day when Malaysia failed to find the spark that had seen them make the final with relative ease. The visitors created a lot of opportunities and had an early chance,in the fifth minute,when Satbir Singh took a snap shot but it was padded away by Mohd Hafizuddin Othman.

The initial forays gave India the confidence and they were rewarded with a penalty corner in the 13th minute. However,Amit Rohidas’s attempt was charged down by Izad Hakimi Jamaluddin.

In a quick counter-attack,Malaysia’s Mohd Syamim nearly scored after evading three defenders,but he sent his shot wide of the post,much to the relief of India goalkeeper Harjot Singh.

Tirkey on the mark

India drew first blood in the 22nd minute after a fine run on the left by Kothajit Singh. Singh’s cross came off the stick of Faiz Helmi and fell nicely for Tirkey to score. The Malaysian defenders were loose in their marking and that allowed Affan Yusof to move into the semi circle. His reverse stick hit went inches wide.

India forced three consecutive penalty corners in the 35th minute but the Malaysian defenders held firm. However,the hosts paid a heavy price as Muhammad Azri Hassan was yellow carded and Malaysia had to start the second half a man down.

India forced two penalty corners in the 42nd and 45th minutes,and off the second,Rohidas’s drag flick was palmed out by Hafizuddin. Malaysia got their chance in the 47th minute when they were awarded a penalty corner. But drag-flicker Shahril Saabah was on the bench and a variation was used. Izad Hakimi had a slap shot that was saved by the keeper.

Another penalty corner in the 52nd minute for Malaysia was kept out by India and off a counter attack,Ramandeep Singh outwitted Kavin Karthik for a clear run at goal. With only the goalkeeper to beat,he relayed the ball to Yusof who scored easily to make it 2-0 for India.

India created several chances and finally skipper Manpreet converted their eight penalty corner in the 64th minute to make it 3-0 as India sealed the title.

Cash award for team

Meanwhile,the Hockey India today announced a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh for each member of the India U-21 team. The support staff will also be awarded Rs 50,000 each while Harjit Singh will get an additional cash award of Rs 100,000 for getting the Most Promising Player award.

Also,HI will give a cash award of Rs. 1,00,000 to Indian women’s team goalkeeper Savita who won the ‘Best Goalkeeper’ award at the recently concluded 8th Women’s Asia Cup held in Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia.

“I congratulate all the players and support staff for making everyone proud by winning this prestigious tournament. This is just the beginning for the Junior Men who are setting their target on winning the FIH Junior Men’s World Cup to be held in New Delhi from December 6-15 ,” HI secretary general Narinder Batra said in a statement.