VALENCIA: Drag-flicker Varun Kumar scored a brace to guide India to a 3-1 win over Germany in their opening game of the four-nation Invitational hockey tournament, here.
Varun struck in the 17th and 25th minutes before Ajay Yadav rounded off the tally for India in the 68th minute.
However, it was a disappointing start for India’s junior women’s hockey team as they lost 0-3 to England in their opening match of the five-nation Invitational tournament.
In the men’s match, both India and Germany began the proceedings on an intense note.
It was India that wrested the initiative with their first penalty corner of the game which Varun converted in the 17th minute.
India kept up the pressure consistently, but Germany drew level in the 22nd minute through a strike from Kai Aichinger.
But the Indians restored their lead three minutes later, when Varun converted another penalty corner to go into the breather with one-goal advantage.
India put up a stubborn defence in the second half and did not allow the Germans too many forays into their area.
The one clear chance that came Germany’s way in the second half was from a penalty in the final minutes which was palmed away expertly by Indian goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya.
Trailing by a goal, the Germans went all out attacking and in the process left gaps in their defence and India utilised the opportunity from a counter-attack when Ajay sounded the board two minutes from the final hooter.
Indian colts will next play Belgium tomorrow, while the eves will be up against Spain later today. (AGENCIES)
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