BEIJING: India were stretched to the limit fast they posted a 40 victory over China in the opening round robin league match of the men’s hockey competition here.
The much rated Indian squad, led by Pargat Singh, played unimpressively while the rivals launched many threatening raids after India had gained a 20 lead nine minutes from start.
Hosts China, figuring in the competition after eight years, troubled India with tight man to man markings that almost chocked the forward line.
‘One goal each from Pargat Singh and Jagdey Singh in the third and ninth minutes ‘gave India a sound lead but the team could ‘not build upon it till the 62nd minute when Jagbir Singh made good use of an opportunistic pass, Shakeel Ahmed found the net from the spot in the last minute to complete the tally.
India began with Pargat Singh finding the target following the first penalty comer and soon newcomer Jagdev Singh hit clean off the third penalty comer to give a good start.
But that was all India could manage. The energetic Chinese players packed their defence, virtually sealing all entry points for the forward line that kept running around
China on the other hand made several moves down the flanks with Yu Hao sneaking in at every available opportunity.
The Indian defence stood up well with Pargat Singh and Jagdey Singh patrolling well and Mark Patterson making up for any mishaps,
The Indian forward line, which failed to coordinate properly, came up with a move in the last minute through Jagbir Singh who faithfully moved up only to find his stick checked by China’s captain Guo Xudong. Umpire Sana Kiyoshi of Japan blew for a penalty stroke.
‘Shakeel Ahmed stepped in for the important task and found the net with a low scoop to the right of the goalkeeper to end the match on a happy note.
The Victory gave India two full points from the first match while China lost their second match, China had gone down 03 to Malaysia on Sunday.
‘World cup runners up Pakistan were made to work hard by Malaysia for their second successive Victory in the Asian ‘games men’s seven team round robin hockey competition here.
Pakistan, who defeated Japan by a whopping 111 score had to put up with strong resistance from the Malaysians before prevailing 42.
‘Two goals from centre forward Mohammed Irfan and one each by outside right Qamar Ibrahim and outside left Waseem Feroze were all that the fluent Pakistan forward line could produce in realistic terms.
Malaysia, who adorned for the break trailing one two with a first half penalty comer strike by Sarjit Singh, added one ‘more towards the end of the match through K.Embraj.
The match was played at a fast pace and often resulted in skirmishes. The play progressed smoothly on the hard poligrass surface and enabled the Malaysians, trained by better known counterparts.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 5, 1990
