SEOUL, Sept. 29, Reuter: India took the Asian games hockey bronze medal with a 41 victory over Malaysia today — a small consolation for their defeat at the hands of archrivals Pakistan in yesterday’s semifinals.
The Malaysians, who dealt a shock defeat to Pakistan in an earlier round, charged into India’s territory and looked dangerous in the second half after trailing 30 in the first.
But they missed several scoring ‘opportunities, including two easy ‘ones when the Indian goal was unguarded
Malaysian coach Chelliah Para goals coming in. We missed a lot If goals but we played well in the second half”.
Mohinder Pal Singh scored from a penalty stroke in the third minute to put India ahead.
‘The Malaysians charged back into the Indian side in the 15th minute with Gary Fidelis spearheading the attack. Indian goal keeper Rajinder Singh brought off A great save.
Rawat, who often under pressure especially in the second half, defended the goal stoutly.
‘The second Indian goal came in the 27th minute when Thoiba Singh trapped pass from Maneypanda Somaya and shot the ball home.
Six minutes later Balwinder Singh scored the third Indian goal. The last Indian goal came in the 58th minute when Mohinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner.
The lone Malaysian goal after many misses came in the 63rd minute when Shaiful Nasiruddin
took a pass from substitute Abdul Hadi and scored.
Skiper Shurentheran Nasiruddin and Zainal Hussain made brave last minute efforts but failed.
Indian coach Ajit Pal Singh said, “Our victory is some consolation for yesterday’s defeat, I have always taken Malaysia as a very unpredictable side, they are quite capable of beating any team.
Pakistan plays South Korea in the final later today.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 3, 1986
