India reaches Hockey World League semis

India rose up to beat Malaysia 3-2 in the exhilarating quarter finals last Wednesday, thereby hurtling itself straight into the semi-finals. A lot was riding on the result for both India and Malaysia, as both teams were seemingly desperate for a win. The counter-attacking match opened up on a breakneck speed, with both the sides doing their best not to miss any opportunity to gain an edge over the other.

Holding world ranking 9, India started off aggressively and received its first opportunity to procure a lead in the 3^rd minute of the match, when young striker Akashdeep Singh ducked the Malaysian defence and passed it on to Satbir Singh, who gracefully scored for country, setting the score at 1-0.

Satbir Singh’s 3^rd-minute strike gave India lead before Razim Rahne and Saahril Saabha converted penalty corners at 15^th and 23^rd minutes simultaneously, to put world No.12 Malaysia into the ascendency. Increasing aspirations and mounting pressure made India to come back strongly in last quarter, powered by Jasjit Singh’s two simultaneous goals, to win the match.

The much fought-over victory marked World #9 India’s entry into the semi-finals with World #4 Belgians. Critics believe that the semi final clash would be one of the toughest tests in defence for India, as Belgians are notorious in the world Hockey scenario for playing offensive. Eyes are on India in what promises to be a robust semi final clash after the glorious win in the quarter finals.

Ashvita Singh