Riding high on confidence with 6-0 victory over arch rival Pakistan, defending champion India on Wednesday defeated hosts Malaysia 4-2 in their fourth pool match of the Sultan Johor Cup Hockey Under-21 Tournament.
The Indian team dominated the game from the very beginning of the match. With neat ball possession, India controlled the game and Sumit scored the first goal in the 22nd minute converting a penalty corner. And, Gurinder Singh doubled the lead soon after, again scoring from a penalty corner. India led 2-0 at half-time.
Malaysia struck in the second half. Mohammad Rohulami scored in the 37th minute and Azril Misron scored another field goal in the 42nd minute to make it 2-2.
However, India fought hard to retaliate when they gained a penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh took the strike and converted it into a goal, taking the score to 3-2. Later, in the 65th minute, Varun Kumar made no mistake in converting a penalty stroke into a goal for India, making the score 4-2 for India.
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At the end of the game, the scores were 4-2, giving the visiting team a reason to rejoice and celebrate.
Coach Harendra Singh was happy with the way India fought back after conceding two goals in the second half. “They did not allow pressure to take hold of them and remained calm. This composure helped the boys to make a brilliant comeback, the result of which is this well-deserved win for them,” he said.
Earlier in the tournament, India had beaten New Zealand 2-1 in the first game, but lost to Britain 2-0 in the second pool match. In the third match, India had demolished arch rival Pakistan with 6-0 goals.
India will now take on Australia in their fifth and last pool match on October 18.
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