India, bogged down by initial blues, came back strongly to score a 3-1 win over Wales in its first Pool A match of the men’s hockey event here on Friday.
The silver medallist at New Delhi 2010 looked unsettled right through the first session. The side, despite holding the upper hand, failed to convert the chances that came its way.
Gurvinder Chandi was guilty of missing a chance in the opening minute itself. A similar tale unfolded as Rupinder Singh muffed the first penalty-corner while Sunil Sowmarpet, Akashdeep Singh and Chandi got carried away, leaving Wales goalkeeper David Kettle to come up with easy saves.
At the other end, Gay Richard helped Wales to establish its presence, earning a penalty-corner which was, however, saved by India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh. However, the Indians regrouped and gained the lead as V.R. Raghunath drag-flicked fluently.
But, the joy in the Indian camp was short-lived as the Welshmen responded with an equaliser within just three minutes.
The Indians showed their skill and speed in fine fashion in the second session, especially close to the hour. Notwithstanding a missed penalty-corner, the Indians kept the attack going and were rewarded when Rupinder made amends for his earlier two lapses to send his side into the lead, off another penalty-corner.
Kettle and the Welsh defence was forced to remain on their toes as India pressed hard further, running riot over the rival half and creating chances at will. One such move was what helped India extend its lead to 3-1 as Chandi found room for himself and fired from close range.
India will now play Scotland in its second league match on Saturday.
The result: India 3 (G. Chandi, Rupinder. Singh, V.R. Raghunath) bt Wales 1 (A. Cornick).
