Amstelveen (the Netherlands): Ramandeep Singh and Chinglensana Singh Kangujam struck twice to guide the Indian men’s hockey team to a tight 4-3 win over Austria in their final encounter of the Europe Tour here Thursday.
Double goals from Ramandeep (25th minute, 32nd) and Chinglensana (37th, 60th) helped India end the tour with three wins and two loses. Both their losses had come against Belgium. For Austria, Oliver Binder (14th), Michael Korper (53rd) and Patrick Schmidt (55th) sounded the board.
India made a steady start against Austria holding the ball for long. However, it was the Austrians who took the lead much against the run of play when Binder scored off a combined move down the middle.
Stung by the reverse, India came back strongly in the second quarter. In the 25th minute they earned a penalty corner. A clever flick pass by comeback man Amit Rohidas found an unmarked Ramandeep inside the Austrian ‘D’ and he made no mistake in deflecting the ball into the goal.
After the change of ends, the Indian attacks gathered momentum. They took the lead in the 32nd minute when Ramandeep scored with a brilliant reverse hit from the top of the ‘D’. Immediately after the goal, India had another chance to extend their lead. However, the shot hit the bar.
However, the Men in Blue were not to be denied off another penalty corner earned by Mandeep Singh, vice-captain Chinglensana scored to make it 3-1.
However, in the final 15 minutes, the Indian defence suddenly went lax and allowed Austria to restore parity with two quick goals by Korper and Schmidt.
However, with just 10 seconds left for the final hooter, Chinglensana scored a sensational goal when Ramandeep made a brilliant circle penetration to find Gurjant Singh who in turn flicked the ball on to the stick of the onrushing Chinglensana to deflect the ball into the net.
press trust of india
