Chak De India! Indian Hockey team strikes a winning goal thumping Australia by 3-0

New Delhi, May 10: Skilful and tactical as it is, the Indian hockey team boys have played exceptionally well. With an extraordinary performance, striking a brace with Rupinder Pal Singh opening strike, India thumped Australia ‘A’ 3-0 on Friday. Young striker Sumit Kumar Jr struck the winning goal for India.

Playing on ground after a leap of eight months after leg injury, Drag-flicker Rupinder, scored in the sixth minute to give the visitors the lead. Sumit found the back of the net in the 12th and 13th minutes, helping India win their second game in a row. The aggressive Indians dominated the first quarter, constantly looked to break into the striking circle. The tactic worked as all three goals were scored in the first quarter putting the home team on the back-foot.

 

India’s first goal came when the team won their first short corner of the match. Rupinder showed good nick, as he timed the flick well with good power and speed to send it past the opposition goalkeeper.

 

Defender Harmanpreet Singh’s skillful tackling saw Australia ‘A’ lose ball possession which led to India’s second goal. A fine assist by skipper Manpreet Singh to Sumit saw the youngster score a superb field goal in the 12th minute.

The home team were left stunned when India converted their third goal in the very next minute when striker Akashdeep Singh set-up the goal scored by 21-year-old Sumit. With a formidable 3-0 lead in the first quarter, India did well in terms of stitching together good defence to hold off the Australian attack.