Skipper Dilip Tirkey slammed in three penalty corner goals as two-time champion India launched its Asian Games men's field hockey campaign with a 6-0 victory on Monday over Bangladesh.
Seven-time winner Pakistan had a narrow escape against Malaysia when Mohammad Zubair scored inside the last two minutes to snatch a 1-1 draw with Malaysia.
Kuhan Shanmuganathan's 52nd-minute penalty corner strike gave Malaysia the lead that it held until Pakistan striker Zubair got the late equalizer through an open field goal.
PHOTO: AFP
"Our boys were brilliant, but lost the chance to gain three points though one defensive lapse in the 69th minute," Shanmuganathan said.
Four years ago, Pakistan failed to figure among the Asian Games hockey medalists for the first time when it lost the bronze medal match to Malaysia.
"We have a new team and this is our first match together. The mistakes will be corrected in the next game," Pakistan skipper Rehan Butt said.
Fielding a young team after the World Cup debacle in Germany three months ago, where it finished 11th of 12 teams, India is seeking to reclaim the title it last won in 1998 at Bangkok.
Adding incentive, the Asian Games finalists will get direct entry in the lineup for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and avoid the prospect of playing in a qualifying competition.
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