India lost 1-3 to Great Britain in the inaugural match of the tri-nation invitational hockey tournament, the team’s final warm-up event ahead of the London Olympics. Rain on Saturday made the going soggy and helped the teams prepare for the conditions that are said to be prevailing in
London.
India started well late and took the lead in the third minute through Shivendra Singh’s deflection off a Tushar Khandker’s cross. Within two minutes, Indian goalkeeper and captain Bharat Chetri pulled off two saves, sweeping the ball off the goal-line after having initially parried Rob Moore’s reverse hit.
James Tindall scored the equaliser through a 17th minute penalty corner and the teams were locked 1-1 at half-time.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Britain’s goalkeeper James Fair made a smart save on the near post off a Khandker shot.
Ashley Jackson put his team ahead in the 45th minute from a penalty stroke. Harry Martin made it 3-1 with a 62nd minute goal off a deflection by Chetri when Jackson scooped the ball. India will play their next match against Spain on Wednesday.
Kuwait’s flag issue
Kuwait City: An IOC spokesman says Kuwaiti athletes will be allowed to compete under their country’s flag at the London Games. The IOC suspended Kuwait in 2010 because of political interference. The IOC said in May Kuwaiti athletes will be allowed to participate at the games despite the dispute, but would have to compete and march in the opening ceremony under the Olympic flag.
Racism charges
Sydney: Australian track athlete John Steffensen has threatened to boycott the London Olympics after alleging racism because he was not selected individually to run the 400 metres and was given only a relay spot.