Indian junior men’s hockey team thrashed host Malaysia 4-0 to claim the bronze medal at the seventh Sultan of Johor Cup, here on Sunday.
Goals from Vishal Antil (15th, 25th minutes), Vivek Prasad (11th) and Shilanand Lakra (21st) was enough for India to win the bronze at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
India had earlier finished third in the points table with nine points after winning three and losing two of its round robin matches.
The team started the match on a bright note as it attacked the Malaysian defense in the initial stages of the first quarter. The Indian team seemed to have put aside the disappointment of failing to qualify for the final as it produced some marvellous skills to stamp its authority on the match.
It was in the 11th minute when captain Vivek Prasad scored from Maninder Singh’s assist from the right flank.
India extended its lead four minutes later when a precise long pass from Dilpreet Singh was picked up by Shilanand Lakra inside the circle, and the forward made a turn and passed the ball to Vishal Antil who then scored with a cool finish.
The second quarter had a similar story for India as it dominated the possession and was rewarded for its spirited display when it scored a third goal through Shilanand Lakra, who tapped in a pass by captain Vivek Prasad in the 21st minute.
India’s attacking force was in prime form as it struck again in the 25th minute through Vishal Antil’s strike.
Malaysia had to step up in the last two quarters if it was to make a comeback into the match, but India’s defence was resolute and did not allow the host to make any inroads.
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