Asian Games hockey: India pummel Bangladesh 9-0

GUANGZHOU - Ace drag-flicker Sandeep Singh struck four goals as India warmed up for arch-rivals Pakistan with a 9-0 demolition of Bangladesh in their second men’s hockey group B match at the Asian Games here Wednesday.

Sandeep converted four of his five penalty corners (13th minute, 47, 63, 66), and Tushar Khandekar (2, 39) slotted a brace, while Shivendra Singh (22), Raj Pal Singh (37) and Dharamvir Singh (69) scored one each. India were leading 3-0 at the breather.

India had defeated Hong Kong 7-0 in their first match. They will take on Pakistan in their next match Saturday and face Japan Sunday.

The win Wednesday has put India at the top of the table with six points.

India toyed with Bangladesh defence with relentless forays. Bangladesh initially managed to keep the Indians at bay with goalkeeper Md. Zahid Hossain making some good saves. Bangladesh also made the mistake of giving too much space to the Indian players in the midfield and paid for it.

Tushar opened the scoring for India right at the start to put Bangladesh under pressure.

Sandeep then scored his first goal through a penalty corner. Shivendra Singh fumbled while tapping the push of Raj Pal, but managed to pass it to Sandeep who slotted home.

Shivendra, after some missed opportunities, deflected in the cross from Dharamvir to make it 3-0.

Bangladesh goalkeeper Hossain stopped Sarvanjit’s shot to save a goal.

India kept up their aggressive game after the break and much of the play took place in the Bangladesh half. India scored two field goals (Raj Pal and Tushar) within two minutes to increase the lead.

Sandeep then converted three penalty corners while Dharamvir finished with another field goal a minute before the final hooter.