Indian junior hockey team pip Malaysia 4-3 in second friendly game

Gurjinder Singh scored a brace for India

Indian junior men’s hockey team warded off stiff resistance from Malaysia before overcoming them 4-3 in their second friendly game at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi.

This was India’s second victory after their 4-2 win in the opening friendly game a couple of days back.

The third and final international game will be played on Monday.

Malaysians are visiting India to acclimatize to the conditions in preparations for the 2013 Junior World Cup scheduled to be held in New Delhi from December 6-15.

Earlier in the opening friendly game, drag-flicker Gurjinder Singh gave India an early lead before Talwinder Singh doubled the lead in the 11th minute. Amir Khan scored at the stroke of half-time to enable the hosts hold a cozy 3-0 lead.

Shahril Saabah reduced the margin for Malaysia early in the second half before Gurjinder Singh got his name on the scoresheet for the second time to help India held sway over their Asian opponents.

Malaysia’s fightback was not over yet – Zulhairi Hashim kept them in the contest reducing the deficit in the 51st minute, but the home side exuded plenty of resolve to deny the visitors any goal-scoring opportunities to pave the way for a comprehensive 4-2 win.

It may be worth recalling that Malaysia were at the receiving end of India in the final of the 3rd Sultan of Johor Cup, where the black-and-yellow brigade were handed a clinical 0-3 defeat.

Malaysia had won the inaugural Sultan of Johor Cup in 2011 pipping Australia 3-2 in the final.

Germany had won the 2012 Sultan of Johor Cup, beating India 3-2 in the final showdown.

Malaysia are placed in Pool D alongside England, New Zealand and South Africa in the 2013 Junior World Cup.

India are placed in Pool C alongside the Netherlands, Korea and Canada.