2nd March 2004: Experienced Indian Juniors easily defeated visiting Malaysian colts 4-1 in the first of the 4-match PNB Hockey Test Series being played here in Delhi in Shivaji Stadium. Captain V. S. Vinay, who has the experience of playing in the last Champions Trophy, set the pace with gem of a field goal as early as 8th minute. Latching on to a loose ball on near top of the circle, the midfielder posted the opener sidestepping the goalkeeper, Md. Hanazi Hassank, who otherwise had an excellent match today.
When four minutes later, a right flank attack ended in enlarging the lead. Nitin Kumar sent a cross from inside circle for opportunistic Girish Pimale to give a gentle tap for the goal. As it seemed Indians were extending their suzerneity, came best goal of the day from hardworking P. Prabhakaran. It was his solo, a run on blistering pace and on the run reverse shot that hit the right post and spun inside the net. The speed and the manner with which the goal was scored, deservedly got the wide applause from the holiday crowd.
The second half saw India’s domination, though Malaysia got a consolation penalty corner in the session. In the 42nd minute, centre-forward Tushar Khandkar increased the lead and 20 minutes later Girish Pimpale again made use of good midfield pass to make the score 4-1.
India: Adian D’Souza, Kuttappa, Sandeep Singh, Jitender Pal Singh, Muthuselvan, Gurbaj Singh, Vivek Gupta, Nitin Kumar, Sandeep Kumar, Girish Pimpale, V.S. Vinay, Hari Prasad, Jalwinder Singh, Birjendera Lakra, Tushar Khandkar, V. Raja, Parmod, Vikram Kanth. Coach: Harendra Singh, Manager: Ranbhir Singh
Malaysia: Kairul Nizam Ibrahim, Md. Hanazi Hassan, E.A. Malek Md, Baljit Singh, Kevinder Singh, Megat Azrafiq, Md. Sallehin, Zulkaiffli Md, Md, Shahrun Nabil, Jiwan Mohan, P. Prabhakaran, M.D. Izwan Hassan, Azli Misron, Md. Fairus, Md. Amerrullah, Selvaraju Sandrakasi, Bubalan Sandrakasi, T.G; Ahmed Tajunddin, Coach: Sarjit Singh, Manager Tai Beng Hai.
Umpires: Bhupinder Singh, Avinash Srivatava, Navtej Singh.