Guwahati: The Indian Men’s Hockey team got off to a bright start at the 12th South Asian Games with a win over Bangladesh at Moullana MD. Tayabullah Hockey Stadium, Bhetapara in Guwahati, Assam. The match ended with a score line of 4-1 in favour of India.

The first half of the match started with an end to end game between India and Bangladesh. India pressed hard after initial defending to keep Bangladesh at bay. The attacking intent of the Indian men soon paid dividends with the first goal coming in the 10th minute of the half from the stick of Pradhan Somanna taking the score to 1-0.

The first goal put the Bangladesh team on the back foot which allowed the Indian attack to put two more goals passed the opponents defense. Gaganpreet Singh scored in the 27th minute through a penalty corner which was soon followed by another penalty corner conversion in the 30th minute from Nilam Xess. The score at the end of the first half stood at 3-0 in favour of India.

The Indian team started in a slow manner in the second half and the defence was caught napping in the 42nd minute when a pass across the goal was tapped in by Milon Hossain of Bangladesh for their first goal. The goal scored by Bangladesh changed the score line to 3-1. India shortly after picked up the pace of the game and pressed hard to restore the 3 goal difference. India created many opportunities but were only finally able to break the Bangladeshi defense in the second half in 68th minute through a field goal from Mohammad Umar to ensure victory. The match ended with a comfortable 4-1 win for India.

Indian Men’s hockey team will play their next match against Pakistan on 8th February 2016.