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6-Nation Hockey Tournament: India pip Ireland

Goals from Talwinder Singh and skipper Sardar Singh helped India bounce back after they were stunned by world no. 12 Ireland.

New Delhi: An experimental Indian line-up defeated Ireland 2-1 to notch up their first points in the six-nation men’s hockey tournament in Valencia, Spain, on Tuesday night.

India lost to Olympic champions Germany 0-4 in their opening match on Monday.

Goals from Talwinder Singh and skipper Sardar Singh helped India bounce back after they were stunned by world no. 12 Ireland in the opening quarter.

Just four minutes into the match, Irish forward Kyle Good made his way past the defenders and put the ball past goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya for the early lead. India, however, regrouped and controlled the game thereafter. Sardar, in particular, was a livewire and toyed with the defence at will.

The match also saw defender Birender Lakra — who spent three months on the sidelines following knee surgery — return to action in what was a positive sign for the team management.

Talwinder made the most of a rebound in the 19th minute to help India fetch the equaliser, while Sardar scored a brilliant goal in the 32nd minute in what turned out to be the winner.

Senior members S.V. Sunil and Manpreet Singh were rested on the day.

India meet New Zealand next on Thursday.

( Source : Deccan Chronicle. )
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