The young Indian hockey team began its Asian Champions Trophy campaign in style as it spanked hosts China 5-0, displaying flashes of brilliance and dictating the pace of the game on Saturday.
In the first half, India led 2-0 with goals from Gurwinder Singh Chandi (5th) and Yuvraj Walmiki (21st). In the second half, India scored through Rupinder Pal Singh (41st), Rajpal Singh (43rd) and V. Raghunath (62nd).
India hockey coach Michael Nobbs said the team has a lot of work to do in the coming days and months if it intends to qualify for the 2012 London Olympics.
"I am happy for the boys as they needed a win to start off in this tournament," Nobbs said after the match today, carefully watching his players cooling off on the practice pitch.
In an earlier match, the opener of the tournament, South Korea beat Japan 3-2 in a hard-fought contest.
It was a slow start for both the teams with China looking handicapped due to the absence of four of their best players missing the tournament with injuries.
They were defensive and the Indian forwards took advantage to score an early fifth-minute goal. It was a loose ball that Gurwinder Singh Chandi got hold of and slotted it past the bemused Chinese goalkeeper.
China surprisingly didn't go on the attack. They pulled back players and played with a lone forward upfront. India did have the space and advantage in numbers but were erratic and not building up to the striking circle.
Rajpal and Sarwanjit had a good chance in the 15th minute but couldn't connect inside the circle.
China tried to build through the middle but Rupinder Pal Singh was terrific in defence. In the 19th minute, China almost got through but Rupinder in a super-sliding tackle took out the ball and while falling on the turf also cleared it away to the midfield.
India had their fourth goal scoring opportunity in the 21st minute and came good though the Chinese goalkeeper Xu Rui thwarted two shots but the third rebound off his pads went to Yuvraj Walmiki who had the space in the striking circle to fire in India's second goal for a 2-0 lead.
"But make no mistake this team has to put in a lot of work. We have spent a lot of time over the last four weeks explaining certain things and I am glad a few of those worked against China," Michael Nobbs said.
Satisfied to see the team play as a unit, Nobbs said with a smile: "That was a pleasant thing."
"Each of them put in their best. In fact, Ravi Pal said to me after the game that this is the first international match he has enjoyed playing. The boys had fun as they were mixing well and helping each other out."