Indian juniors score: Poznan hockey

India defeated Malaysia 3-2 in their opening match in the six-nation Junior Challenge trophy hockey tournament at Poznan, Poland, on Monday evening.

According to Indian Hockey Federation secretary-general K Jyothikumaran, the young Indian team, comprising players from the victorious Asian Cup under-18 squad, led 2-0 at half-time, thanks to the brilliance of forward Inderjit Singh.

However, Malaysia came back strongly in the second half and scored twice in quick succession to make it 2-2.

In fact, Malaysia had a chance to wrest the lead but they missed a penalty-stroke as Indian custodian Suraj Kanda effected a brilliant save, before Kamalpreet Singh found the match-winner in the closing stages of the match to ensure full points for India.

In other matches, Germany thrashed Russia 8-0 while England defeated hosts Poland 2-0.

UNI