Indian men start Commonwealth Games outing with a 3-1 win over Wales

Scotland, July 25, 2014: Indian Men Hockey team started its outing of the XX Commonwealth Games today against Wales where they gave a tough time to the opponents. The match was well balanced between both the teams during the half time, with each scoring 1-1. It was the second half which was the deciding session and the Indian team kept its nerves and came out with a victorious 3-1 on board.

The opening match for India against Wales started with a positive approach as both teams played a very attacking game from the onset. Though it was India who continued its dominance and attack on the opponents, as they opened their account in the 20th minute when V R Raghunath made no mistake in converting a penalty corner. Three minutes later Wales scored an equalizer through A. Cornick. Till half time score was levelled at 1-1.

Coming into the second half, India yet again maintained its momentum and in the 36th minute earned a penalty corner but failed to convert it. It was only five minutes later when Rupinder Pal Singh successfully converted a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, taking the score to 2-1. With teammate Gurwinder Singh Chandi’s support in the 47th minute India took the lead further ahead and sealed the match with 3-1 on the board marking India’s victorious start in the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Speaking on the performance of the team against Wales, Chief Coach Mr. Terry Walsh said, “Our aim was to score more goals in today’s game against Wales as per our strategy but some small mistakes didn’t allow us to achieve it. Whatever shortcomings we have seen in today’s game will be rectified and not repeated in the game against Scotland. The team is in a good shape and motivated after today’s win, to take on the opponents and steal the show with even better results in the second game”.

Photo caption: India (yellow) and Wales players in action during their hockey match of the Commonwealth games in Glasgow on July 25, 2014.

-HI Press release and photos