India strike the right note

India recorded a convincing 5-0 victory over hosts China to begin their campaign in style at the inaugural men’s Asian Champions Trophy at Ordos, China, on Saturday.

The goal-scorers were Gurvinder Singh Chandi (5th min), Yuvraj Walmiki (21st min), Rupinder Pal Singh (41st min), Rajpal Singh (43rd min) and V.R. Raghunath (62nd min).

India, who had drawn 11 in their previous meeting with China at the Azlan Shah Cup in May, began aggressively giving their opponents no time to settle down. Striker Chandi struck in the 5th minute while Mumbai youngster Walmiki scored his first international goal from atop the striking circle in the 21st minute to give India a 2-0 lead at half time.

India continued the onslaught after the break with forays from the flanks which caught China on the backfoot.

The 6’4“ drag-flicker Rupinder Pal increased the tally in the 41st minute striking powerfully home. Skipper Rajpal Singh, who joined the squad after receiving the Arjuna Award at Delhi, did not disappoint after being set up by midfielder Ravi Pal to make it 4-0 in the 43rd minute.

The Indian tally was rounded off from another penalty corner conversion in the 62nd minute by Raghunath.

This was the first international for the Indian men under new coach Michael Nobbs.

The Indian men will next play Japan, while the women will clash with Korea on Sunday.