New Delhi: Striker Affan Yousuf hit a double to guide India to a 3-2 win over world champions Australia in the opening game of the two-match men’s hockey series, in Victoria on Tuesday.
Affan scored two field goals (19th minute) in quick succession, while skipper and drag-flicker V.R. Raghunath netted the winner for India in the 44th minute.
The hosts’ goals came from Matthew Willis (36th) and Trent Mitton (43rd).
India were quick off the blocks and controlled the proceedings early on. But despite several circle penetrations, the teams failed to break the deadlock in the first quarter.
Affan opened the scoring in the 19th minute and doubled his tally with another field strike in the very next move as India went into half time firmly in control.
FIH withdraws Pak from Jr World Cup
Malaysia are set to replace Pakistan in the upcoming Junior Hockey World Cup in Lucknow, after the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that Pakistan were yet to get their visas and had missed the November 17 deadline.
John named high performance chief
Former exercise physiologist of the senior men’s team David John of Australia was on Tuesday appointed high performance director of Indian hockey. John will take over the charge from Roelant Oltmans, who has been relieved from the post after being named as the chief coach of the men’s team till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
