Age Correspondent

New Delhi

Oct. 10: The senior men’s national hockey team struck in each half to blank Canada 2-0 in the opening game of their seven-match hockey test series at the University of Victoria ground on Friday, according to information received here.

Striker Tushar Khandker struck in the 27th minute, while Sandeep Singh sounded the boards off a penalty corner in the 66th minute to seal victory for the visitors.

India took time settling down in cold conditions and were fortunate not to fall behind in the opening minutes.

Goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza first warded off a reverse from winger Gabbar Singh and followed up with a spectacular save off Taylor Curran’s effort.

The Indian forwards missed a few chances midway into the first session with Rajpal Singh, Prabhjot Singh and Gurwinder Singh Chandi shooting wide. But the defence was marshalled majestically by Sardar Singh whose clean tackling and interceptions were applauded by the packed crowd.

India took the lead in the 27th minute when Rajpal released the diminutive Bharat Chikara whose clever pass found an unmarked Khandker. The forward slotted it past goalkeeper David Carter.

India dominated for most of the second half and could have increased their tally soon but Chandi sent a backhander over the bar.

Canada came close to equalising on a couple of occasions but the attempts of Connor Meakin and Gabbar were foiled by an alert Indian defence.

Sandeep settled the issue for India after he fired home from a only penalty corner in the 66th minute to round-off the proceedings.

The second test will be played on Sunday.