Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 3: Indian men’s hockey team trying to gather some important practice ahead of major tournaments played out a 1-1 draw against Japan to begin its four-match Test series on a disappointing note, at the Kalinga Stadium here Sunday.
After a couple of unsuccessful penalty corner attempts by both the teams, Japan struck in the 19th minute. A pass was slapped inside the box from the midfield and striker Kurogawa Daichi quickly tucked it inside the net as the visitors took lead.
Attacks and counter-attacks continued in the second and the third quarter as India finally broke even in the third quarter. Gurbaj earned India penalty corner in the 44th minute and VR Raghunath clinically converted it into a goal. Sardar Singh pushed the ball in hard, Raghunath dragged it on the left of the Japanese goalkeeper, and the ball ticked a defender’s stick en route to the net.
Paul Van Ass’ side got another penalty corner in the 52nd minute but Raghunath failed to deposit the ball at the back of the net this time around and the scoreline remained static in the remaining minutes of play. Meanwhile Indian defender Kothajit Singh and Birendra Lakra marked their 100th international appearance in this game. Orissa’s Lakra has been the backbone of the team since he made his debut during the test series against South Africa in 2012.
Congratulating him on the feat, Hockey India president Narinder Dhruv Batra said, “We congratulate Birendra on his achieving this landmark. He has played a key role in the defence line-up since he started playing for India. We wish him all the best for his future endeavours and hope he continues his good form in the times to come.”