Johor Bahru (Malaysia), Oct 29 (PTI) Indian junior men'shockey team thrashed hosts Malaysia 4-0 to claim the bronzemedal at the seventh Sultan of Johor Cup, here today.
Goals from Vishal Antil (15th, 25th minutes), VivekPrasad (11th) and Shilanand Lakra (21st) were enough for Indiato win the bronze at the Taman Daya Hockey Stadium.
India had earlier finished third in the points table withnine points after winning three and losing two of their roundrobin matches.
The team started the match on a bright note as theyattacked the Malaysian defense in the initial stages of thefirst quarter.
The Indian team seemed to have put aside thedisappointment of failing to qualify for the final as theyproduced some marvellous skills to stamp their authority onthe match.
It was in the 11th minute when captain Vivek Prasadscored from Maninder Singh's assist from the right flank.
India extended their lead four minutes later when aprecise long pass from Dilpreet Singh was picked up byShilanand Lakra inside the circle, and the forward made a turnand passed the ball to Vishal Antil who then scored with acool finish.
The second quarter had a similar story for the Indians asthey dominated the possession and were rewarded for theirspirited display when they scored a third goal throughShilanand Lakra, who tapped in a pass by captain Vivek Prasadin the 21st minute.
India's attacking force was in prime form as they struckyet again in the 25th minute through Vishal Antil's strike.
Malaysia had to step up in the last two quarters if theywere to make a comeback into the match, but India's defencewas resolute and did not allow the hosts to make any inroads.
PTI SSCSSC.
This is unedited, unformatted feed from the Press Trust of India wire.
