Four-Nation Hockey: India go down fighting to Australia

New Delhi: Rupinder Pal Singh’s double went in vain as the men’s hockey team lost 2-3 to hosts Australia in a tense opening game of the four-nation invitational tournament in Melbourne on Wednesday.

India began positively against top-ranked Australia, showing positive intent and energy in the first quarter. However, the first 15 minutes ended in a stalemate.

India, who recently won the Asian Champions Trophy in Malaysia, managed to gain three successive penalty corners in the second quarter of the match.

After missing the first two, Rupinder did not disappoint the third time as his powerful and precise drag-flick in the 21st minute gave India a 1-0 lead.

Australia responded quickly, negating the advantage three minutes later through drag-flicker Jeremy Hayward.

The hosts emerged stronger in the third quarter, scoring twice to surge ahead 3-1. Hayward scored his second goal in the 36th minute and then Trent Mitton added another from a difficult angle to put India on the back foot. India kept fighting but without much success. Talwinder Singh came close to scoring but was denied by a resolute Australian defence.

Rupinder brought India back into the game with another penalty corner conversion in the 53rd minute as the match witnessed an engrossing end.

But the Australians did enough to deny India any further chance to pocket a hard-fought win. India take on Malaysia on Thursday.

Women win
Unlike their men’s counterparts, the women opened up with a win over Australia. Led by Vandana Katariya, India triumphed over fourth-ranked Australia 1-0 at the State Netball & Hockey Centre. The women showed composure as the teams looked for opportunities in a goalless first quarter. Ranked 12th in the world, India looked to make amends for their 1-6 defeat to the Hockeyroos at the Rio Olympics.

India had the hosts under pressure in the second quarter and were awarded a penalty corner in the 21st minute. Rani sent a strong hit past Australia goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.

Rashmita Minz displayed brilliant skills in the backline as India prevented home strikers Kathryn Slattery and Jordyn Holzberger from scoring.

Goalkeeper Rajani Etimarpu was tested when the hosts earned a series of penalty corners in the third quarter, but effective some brilliant saves.

The teams meet again on Friday.