Ipoh, Malaysia, Mar 3 (UNI) Sardar Singh-led Indian Men’s Hockey Team was defeated by Rio Olympics champion Argentina 2-3 in their opening encounter of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup 2018 in Ipoh, Malaysia, on Saturday.
Argentinian star drag-flicker Gonzalo Peillat scored a hat-trick while from Indian side Amit Rohidas hit both the goals.
From the word go, the Indian side started attacking but soon was overpowered by their much more experienced rivals who took the lead by Peillat converting a penalty corner.
Argentina continued its offensive in the second half, as Peillat once again sounded the board.
India soon came back into the game with Rohidas scoring two goals continuously to restore parity.
Within a minute, the Argentinian striker scored the third goal.
The match was stopped for 45 minutes due to heavy rain.
Just after the match resumed, the Indian side's Sumit was shown the yellow card, reducing the
team to 10 players.
Hopes rose for Indian side when Talwinder Singh tried to reach Argentine goal post during the dying minutes of the match but the rival defence stood firm like a wall.
India will now take on defending champions England on Sunday.
The other teams taking part in the tournament are Australia, Ireland and Malaysia.
UNI XC PS RP1851